Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon cheesecake bars with lemon curd.

📝 Ingredients

• 6 graham cracker sheets
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 batch of my microwave lemon curd

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Lower an oven rack to the lower third...: Lower an oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides to easily remove the cheesecake from the pan. Set aside.
2. 2In the bowl of a food processor (or...: In the bowl of a food processor (or a plastic bag), crush the graham crackers into crumbs. Stir the melted butter and granulated sugar into the graham crumbs.
3. 3Push the crush firmly into the prepared pan.
4. 4Bake for 20-22 minutes, until crisp and beginning...: Bake for 20-22 minutes, until crisp and beginning to turn light brown.
5. 5Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese and sugar...: Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, followed by the vanilla and lemon juice.
6. 6Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
7. 7Lower the oven to 300, and bake the...: Lower the oven to 300, and bake the cheesecake for 20-30 minutes, until the entire surface is set and not sticky. It will have a slightly golden yellow hue. A toothpick inserted should not come out with wet batter.
8. 8Let the cheesecake cool near the oven (drastic...: Let the cheesecake cool near the oven (drastic temperature changes cause cracks in cheesecake). Once fully cooled, move to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
9. 9To serve, slice into equal-sized pieces, and top...: To serve, slice into equal-sized pieces, and top with the lemon curd.