Lemon Cheesecake Squares

Lemon cheesecake squares sound delicious! Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar together until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the pan and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled and set.
9. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into squares.
10. Optional: Dust the tops with powdered sugar or garnish with lemon slices for decoration.

Enjoy your delicious lemon cheesecake squares!