Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

By janicecraig

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp lemon zest, divided
• 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into tablespoon sized pieces
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup strawberry preserves

Details

Servings 36
Adapted from cookiesandcups.com

Preparation

Step 1

makes 36 squares

How to Make

Preheat oven to 350°

In a large bowl combine flour, powdered sugar, 1 tsp lemon zest and butter. Cut together with a pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. It will be dry, don't worry.

Press the mixture into the prepared pan.

Meanwhile, in bowl of stand mixer beat together cream cheese, remaining zest and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, stirring until combined. Stir in lemon juice.

When crust is golden, remove from oven and spread strawberry preserves evenly on top. Pour cream cheese mixture on top of preserves.

Continue baking for 25 minutes until cheesecake is set in the middle

Allow to cool on wire rack for 20 minutes and then chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours

Cut into squares when ready to serve