New York-Style Cheesecake Bars

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing two of the sides to overlap (you want an overhang of at least 2-inches on two sides) and spray lightly with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter and, using a rubber spatula, mix well to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom - and slightly up the sides - of the prepared pan.

Step 3

Bake the crust in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and set aside on a cooling rack until needed.

Step 4

Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees (F).

Step 5

In the body of a high power blender, food processor, stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand held electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth.

Step 6

Add sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Add in the eggs and yolks and beat until combined.

Step 7

Add in the lemon juice and lemon zest and beat until combined. Stir in the flour, mixing just until combined.

Step 8

Using a rubber spatula, fold in the cream, mixing just until it's incorporated in the batter.

Step 9

Pour filling on top of prepared crust, and spread evenly.

Step 10

Check to ensure your oven has cooled to 325°F, then place the pan in the oven and bake for 38 to 40 minutes, or until the edges have set and the middle is still a little jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up a lot as they cool.

Step 11

Remove the bars from the oven, and cool at room temperature for one hour. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.

Step 12

When you're ready to serve: use the foil overhang to lift the cheesecake bars from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, slice the slab into squares, wiping the knife clean with a damp cloth between slices. Serve at once.