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Photo, Roberto Caruso.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham-cracker crumbs
3 250-g pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups frozen cherries
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
scant 1/3 cup water
2 tsp cornstarch
PREHEAT oven to 325F. Spray a 9x13-in. metal pan with cooking spray and line with parchment to overhang on 2 sides.
CRUST: Stir crumbs and butter in a small bowl until crumbs are moist. Press firmly and evenly into prepared pan and bake until golden, 10 min. Let cool.
FILLING: Beat cream cheese in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-low, scraping down sides occasionally, until very smooth, 4 min. Beat in sugar until combined, 3 min. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, on low speed, scraping bowl between additions. Beat in sour cream, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. Pour batter over prepared crust and smooth top.
BAKE until filling is set, 35 to 40 min. Cool on a rack for 1 hour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. Cut into bars.
TOPPING: Stir frozen cherries, sugar, lemon juice, water and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring often, until mixture is thickened, 5 to 7 min. Pour into a bowl to cool. Kitchen Tip: Bars will keep in refrigerator up to 3 days, or wrap with foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
Calories 223, Protein 4g, Carbohydrates 16g, Fat 17g, Sodium 155mg.
Good source of vitamin A.