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Zesty Lemon Curd Cheesecake Bars

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These zesty lemon curd cheesecake bars combine the tangy zing of lemon with creamy cheesecake in a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
  2. Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour and sour cream; mix until smooth but do not overbeat. Pour over warm crust and spread evenly.
  3. In a saucepan over low heat, whisk sugar and eggs until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest. Whisk constantly while adding butter pieces until melted and mixture thickens slightly (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat once thickened and smooth.
  4. Pour warm lemon curd over cheesecake layer and spread evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Total bake time about 40-45 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
  6. Use parchment paper edges to lift bars from pan. Cut into 12 squares, wiping knife clean between cuts.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Whisk lemon curd constantly on low heat to prevent scrambling. Slight jiggle in cheesecake center after baking is perfect. Chill overnight for best flavor and easier slicing. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon curd, cheesecake bars, lemon dessert, easy dessert bars, homemade lemon curd, creamy cheesecake, tangy lemon, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/zesty-lemon-curd-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-bars/