Lemon Cheesecake Squares

By Addie

Whether I'm hosting friends or sending a plate to work with my husband, these creamy elegant cheesecake squares are always a hit. It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that easily serves a large group.

Ingredients

• FILLING:
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• ..................................................
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Press dough into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Spread with jam.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and peel. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Carefully spoon over jam.

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
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REVIEWS:

It was easy to make and very flavorful.

Oatmeal crust a nice change of pace too.

Added a thicker layer of jam; turned out wonderfully. Great with blueberry preserves as well. Delicious!

Delicious!!! Will definitely be making these again! Agree with the other reviewer about using 2/3 cup raspberry jam, it turned out great!

Delicious!!! Will definitely be making these again!

I was thrilled the first time I made these bars when my husband said that they were pretty good! I love lemon flavor, but he usually doesn't care for it. These bars are the exception. Besides the wonderful not-too-strong lemon flavor, these also have a wonderful creamy consistency. The layer of jam is a nice touch, which you can increase to 2/3 cup if desired.

Even better with a layer of the jam on top of the cheesecake as well.