19 Lemon Bar Cheesecake Recipe Southern Living Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Ingredients

Cheesecake:

• 9 full-sheet graham crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Bar Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to evenly spread it out.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Cheesecake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the lemon juice, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.

Lemon Bar Topping:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add in the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking constantly until well combined.
3. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Pour the topping over the cheesecake and spread it out evenly.
5. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is set.

Chill and Serve:

1. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
2. When ready to serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and cut the cheesecake into slices.
3. Top with fresh whipped cream and lemon zest, if desired, and enjoy your delicious lemon bar cheesecake!