Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars

By Tinkysmom55

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 tsp lemon zest, divided
• 3/4 cup cold butter
• 2 (8 oz each) pkgs cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup strawberry preserves

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 35.0 degrees. Stir together flour, powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Press mixture onto bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9" pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and beat just until blended after each addition. Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining 1/4 tsp lemon zest, beating well.

Spread preserves over shortbread. Pour cream cheese mixture over preserves, spreading to edges.

Bake 28 to 32 more minutes or until set. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill 4 to 8 hours. Cut into bars; garnish, if desired.