Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These creamy lemon cheesecake bars have a smoother texture than the usual custard texture of a boxed lemon bar mix. I just about died when I had them the first time. A good friend made them for another friend's birthday. I immediately asked her for the recipe as my Christmas present. She courteously obliged. They are the best!

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 411 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup cold butter
• 1 ½ cups shortbread cookie crumbs
• 4 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.

Step 3

Mix shortbread crumbs, flour, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter using 2 knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press over the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 4

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and white sugar using an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs and flour. Mix well. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Pour filling over the crust.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until center is set, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 45 minutes. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar right before serving.