Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan.
3. In a larger mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is nicely incorporated.
5. Pour cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until ready to serve.
Variations & Tips
For those with a little adventurous spirit in their taste, you can add a layer of blueberry or raspberry sauce on top before chilling, or maybe swirl it through the cream cheese mixture for a lovely marbled effect. For a lower-calorie version, try substituting the full-fat cream cheese with a light or non-fat option. If you have gluten sensitivities in your family, consider using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
