Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars~

This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe I saw on the back of a box of Krusteaz Lemon Bars. The recipe was called; Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars. The box only made a 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan, which wasn't going to be large enough:) I combined my favorite lemon bar recipe, and a recipe for a cream cheese filling, that I have used many times before, and came up with these delicious bars. I will admit, they are Amazing:) Note: The cream cheese layer starts out in the middle but rises to the top as it bakes and forms a layer of cream cheese. However, sometimes the cream cheese combines with the lemon filling and makes more of a marble effect. Either way, these bars are delicious:)

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars~

Crust~

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup cold butter
• Cream Cheese Layer~
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 t vanilla extract
• Filling~
• 4 eggs
• 6 T fresh lemon juice
• 1 T grated lemon peel
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

In a bowl combine flour and confectioners' cut in butter until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2 in baking dish. Bake at 350º for 20 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

For Cream Cheese Layer: Place cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, continue to mix on low speed until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over hot crust.

For Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Stir in lemon juice and peel. Combine the sugar and flour. Stir into egg mixture. Carefully pour over cream cheese layer.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until center does not jiggle when the pan is shaken. Cool pan on wire rack. Store in refrigerator.

Lemon Bars are so refreshing after a hearty meal of~

Oven Beef Stew

Enjoy~