Citrus Swirl Cream Cheese Squares (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

→ For the Cheesecake Filling

04 - 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
05 - 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream

→ For the Lemon Curd Swirl

09 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated
04 - Pour cheesecake batter evenly over cooled crust and smooth the top. Spoon small dollops of lemon curd on top, spacing them out evenly
05 - Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the lemon curd into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature in the pan
07 - Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set completely
08 - Lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and garnish as desired

# Notes:

01 - For homemade lemon curd, whisk 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp butter over low heat until thickened
02 - Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days
03 - Can be frozen for up to 2 months
04 - Use a light hand when swirling for defined, elegant marbling

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