Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars from Kaf

Found this recipe in a KAF catalog and is described as "Creamy, vanilla-scented bars, perfect with a cup of coffee" Sure sounds good to me for a Sunday Morning breakfast or just a special treat. Prep time does not include cooling

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

• Crust

• 1 1⁄4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4  tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 5  tablespoons butter, melted
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon

• Batter

• 16  ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream (or can use sour cream)
• 3  large eggs
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest, fresh - (optional)
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. To Make Crust:
3. Stir together the crumbs, sugar, salt and melted butter.
4. Press into bottom and about 1/2" up sides of an 8"x8" square pan.
5. Freeze for 15 minutes if using a metal pan (not necessary if using ceramic or glass), then bake for 8-10 minutes, until set, the color won't change much.
6. Remove from oven and cool.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 325°.
8. To Make Batter:
9. Blend cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
10. Add cream, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice, mix until combined.
11. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix.
12. Spoon batter into cooled crust.
13. Bake bars for 30-40 minutes, until filling is set but still soft in the middle.
14. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
15. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
16. Just before serving, top with fresh berries or whipped cream.