Cooking through the Calendar: Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) -This is a simple, healthy, and affordable dessert to take with you to parties throughout the summer!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (9-10 graham cracker sheets)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Wash hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
3. *Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and applesauce together in a medium bowl until combined. Evenly press crust into an 8-by-8 baking pan. Using the bottom of a dry measuring cup, firmly press down on the crust to make it more compact.
4. *Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
6. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Fold in the blueberries and the lemon zest (if using).
7. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the cooled crust and spread to make an even layer.
8. Bake for 35 minutes, or until it does not jiggle. Remove from oven and let cool completely (about 45 minutes). For best results, refrigerate 1 hour before cutting.
9. Store in the refrigerator.

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