Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

 courtesy of http://www.epicureanmom.com

 Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

original recipe: http://www.epicureanmom.com/2011/09/lemon-blueberry-cheesecake-bars.html

Ingredients:

For Base:

• Butter, for greasing
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/8 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 9 graham crackers
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions:

For the Base:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Grease the bottom of a 9 by 9-inch baking pan with butter.  Then place parchment paper over the top, pressing down at the corners.  In a food processor, process the sugar, cinnamon and graham crackers until you have the consistency of breadcrumbs.  Add the melted butter and pulse a couple of times to fully incorporate.  Pour into the lined baking pan and firmly pat down with the bottom of a glass.  Bake for about 12 minutes, or until set.

For the filling:

Add cream cheese, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar to the food processor and pulse until well combined.  It should have a smooth consistency.  Pour onto the cooked graham cracker base and then sprinkle with blueberries.  They will sink slightly but should be half exposed.

Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the center only slightly jiggles.  Remove from the oven and cool completely before Refrigerating for at least 3 hours.  Once set, remove from pan using the parchment lining and slice into 10 rectangular bars.