lemon cheesecake squares

Lemon cheesecake squares are a delightful dessert with a tangy lemon flavor combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the lemon topping:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the lemon topping. In a small saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, butter, and cornstarch.
9. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
11. Pour the slightly cooled lemon topping over the baked cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly.
12. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the lemon topping is set.
13. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
14. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set completely.
15. Once chilled, slice the lemon cheesecake into squares and serve.

Enjoy these delicious lemon cheesecake squares as a refreshing and indulgent dessert!