Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
Equipment Needed
– 9×9 inch baking dish
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Spatula
– Parchment paper
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, I like to prepare my baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars so much easier later! In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ⅓ cup of sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand and then press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This crust is going to be the perfect base for our creamy lemon filling! (See the next page below to continue steps…)