Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender (finely ground)
- For Garnish:
- Edible gold dust or sprinkles (for a magical touch)
- Fresh lavender sprigs (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preparing the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture evenly into a lined baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Making the Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and ground lavender. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring not to overmix. Fold in fresh lemon juice for a bright citrusy tang.
- Assembling the Bars: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Baking the Bars: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Decorating Your Bars: Dust with edible gold dust or sprinkles. Cut into squares and garnish each piece with a small sprig of fresh lavender if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free crusts, substitute gluten-free graham crackers.
- Vegan alternative: Use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and egg substitutes like flax eggs.
- Fresh lavender can replace dried; use three times the amount since fresh lavender has a milder flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Harry Potter-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg