Recipe Spotlight: Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It's not often that I'm incredibly excited or inspired by boxed recipes, but Krusteaz's Lemon Bars are a baked treat that's been on my list of favorites for some time. Last weekend I tested out a recipe on the back of the box on a whim and was thrilled with the results. The Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars were quick and easy to make, but most importantly, they ended up being a big hit! They made for a nice summer dessert that was a refreshing and lighter tasting alternative to rich cookies or cake. The lemon bars can be served hot straight from the oven or cold as you would serve cheesecake. Enjoy!

These lemon cheesecake bars are an explosion of tastes with a tart

citrus filling and a creamy, cool layer of cheesecake

atop a sweet, crumbly crust.

Photo Source: Krusteaz

Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

1 package Krusteaz Lemon Bar Mix

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 8x8x2-inch pan. Press full pouch of complete crust firmly into bottom of pan. Bake for eight minutes. Place cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until smooth. Add one egg and vanilla. Continue to mix on low speed until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over hot crust. In another bowl, stir full pouch lemon filling mix, water and three eggs together using a whisk until eggs are well incorporated. Pour lemon filling over cream cheese layer. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the center does not jiggle when shaken. Cool completely and cut into squares. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Recipe Source: Krusteaz