Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon lemon zest, divided
3/4 cup cold butter
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup strawberry preserves
sweetened whipped cream (to garnish)
fresh strawberry slices (to garnish)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0.
Stir together flour, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoons 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 inch pan.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and granulated 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 teaspoons 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.
Enjoy!