Strawberry-Lemon Shortbread Bars
Wow your tastebuds with Strawberry-Lemon Shortbread Bars.
Shortbread is one of the easiest desserts to make. Make them into bars with a delicious strawberry and cream cheese topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 tsp. lemon zest, divided
- 3/4 cup cold butter
- 2 (8-oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
Garnishes: sweetened whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together flour, powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp of lemon zest in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. Press mixture onto the bottom of a lightly greased 13x 9-inch pan. Bake 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 the 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 for 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill for 4 to 8 hours. Cut into bars; garnish, if desired.
