Cheesecake Squares
Source of Recipe
Joy of Baking
Recipe Introduction
New York Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts. Cheesecake Squares are just a modified version of this cheesecake, combining the grainy texture of a graham cracker crust with a thin layer of cream cheese filling. This recipe makes a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) pan which is perfect for large gatherings. Lovely served with fresh berries or fruit sauces.
When making this crust, always press the crumbs evenly into your pan and while the crust may seem loose, it will harden after it bakes and cools.
The main component in a cheesecake filling is cream cheese, which is a white, soft and spreadable cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. It has a 33% butterfat content so its texture is wonderfully smooth and creamy. To ensure a smooth texture, free of lumps, always bring the cream cheese to room temperature before beating. After adding the other ingredients the filling is poured over the crust and baked just until it sets. Chill the squares before cutting into individual slices. Make sure to use a sharp knife and have a damp cloth nearby so you can wipe off the knife between cuts. These squares are excellent plain or with fresh berries. You could also serve them with blueberry, raspberry or strawberry sauce.
List of Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
2 cups (200 grams) graham wafer crumbs or crushed digestive cookies
2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated white sugar
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
2 - 8 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (outer yellow skin of lemon)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Garnish: (Optional)
Fresh Berries
Recipe
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven. Have ready a 9 x 13 x 2 inch (23 x 33 x 5 cm) square baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil across the bottom and up two opposite sides of the pan.
Graham Cracker Crust: In a small bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Cheesecake Filling: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed. Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker base and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheesecake batter is just set.
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours to make the squares easier to cut. To cut into squares - place on a cutting board, remove the foil, and with a sharp knife, cut into 2 inch squares. Have a damp cloth on hand to wipe the knife between cuts.
Garnish with fresh berries, if desired.
Makes about 24 - 2 inch (5 cm) squares.
See recipes for Strawberry Sauce, Blueberry Sauce & Raspberry Sauce (Puree)
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