Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Delight (Printable Version)

Luscious strawberry cheesecake bars layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and chilled to perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (e.g., Lotus or other graham crackers)
02 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar or granulated sugar
03 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cheesecake Filling

05 - 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks, softened to room temperature)
06 - ½ cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
09 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch square pan or a glass pie plate to form an even layer. Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, and mix until just combined. Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream in 3-4 increments, whipping it into the cream cheese mixture after each addition until fully incorporated and the filling is light and fluffy.
03 - Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8-12 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set and chilled.
04 - Before serving, loosen the edges of the cheesecake with a knife. Slice and wipe the knife clean after each cut for neat slices. Top with strawberry jam.