Ingredients
1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs1/3 cup butter, melted2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sugar2 large eggs, lightly beaten1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zestTOPPING:1 cup sour cream2 tablespoons sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractAdditional lemon zest, optionalMint leaves, optional
Preparation
In a bowl, combine cracker crumbs and butter. Firmly press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-in. pie plate. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest just until blended. Pour into prepared crust.
Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; let stand for 5 minutes (leave oven on). Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla; spread carefully over pie. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with mint and lemon zest if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.
