Lemon Cheesecake Crumb Bars Food

LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°Grease a 9- × 9-inch baking pan.
• Cut out a 9- × 9-inch square of parchment paper and lay on top of the greased bottom of the pan
• For the crust, use a pastry blender to combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, and lemon zest until the mixture is coarse crumbs, with the butter worked in. Press the dough into the greased baking pan, on top of the parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove and place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly. Leave the oven switched on.
• For the cream cheese layer, fit a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg completely, then pour the mixture onto the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly set on top. You need to have the top cooked in a slight crust so the lemon layer doesn't seep through when poured on top. Remove. Leave the oven switched on.
• For the lemon layer, whisk together all the ingredients by hand. Gently pour over the cream cheese layer, trying not to disturb it. Spread out the lemon in an even layer.
• Return to the hot oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is just set in the center.
• Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered to letthe filling set completely. This should be refrigerated at least 3 hours, but more time may be needed.
• Sprinkle with icing sugar if desired. Slice into squares to serve.
• These can be stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, pecans, sugar, and melted butter; mix well.
• Reserve 1/3 cup crumb mixture.
• Press the rest into a 13x9-inch baking pan.
• Bake for 6 minutes; allow to cool.
• While the crust is cooling, beat cream cheese until it's fluffy.
• Gradually beat in the milk.
• Add eggs until mixture is just combined.
• Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla.
• Pour mixture into prepared crust.
• Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the cheesecake layer.
• Bake for about 30 minutes.
• Cool for about an hour, then cut into bars.
• Store in your refrigerator.

STRAWBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• For the crust: Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing for a 2-inch overhang on the sides.
• Place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the cookies into fine crumbs. Pour into a bowl and add the granulated sugar, lemon zest and salt. Pour the melted butter into the bowl and mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the baking dish in an even layer. Place in the freezer while you make the filling.
• For the filling: Beat the heavy cream in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
• Beat the cream cheese, vanilla and lemon zest and juice in a bowl until fluffy and light, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar and sour cream. Beat until just combined, making sure there are no lumps. Fold in the whipped cream. Remove the crust from the freezer. Pour the mixture over the crust and spread in an even layer. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
• Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. When ready to serve, arrange the strawberries on top and sprinkle some lemon zest over the top. Slice into squares and serve chilled.