The Ultimate Lemon Bar Cheesecake with Fudge Brownie Topping

Lemon Bar Base

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

New York-style Filling

• 3 containers (24 oz) Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Fudge Brownie Topping

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lemon Bar Base Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
2. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

New York-style Filling Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the cooled lemon bar base.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until center is almost set.
6. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the pan and let cool completely.

Fudge Brownie Topping Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter together over low heat.
2. Add sugar and egg, stirring until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Spoon the brownie mixture onto the top of the cooled cheesecake, spreading it out into an even layer.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until brownie topping is set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.

Enjoy the deliciousness of this ultimate Lemon Bar Cheesecake with Fudge Brownie topping!