Creamy Lemon Squares

Sydney Mike's Note:

These tasty lemony nuggets were found at Kraft Foods, & although there are boxed lemon bar mixes out there, the homemade kind, well.... Preparation time DOES NOT INCLUDE the 2+ hours to chill in the refrigerator.

• Total Time: 53 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 43 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

FOR THE CRUST

• 20 reduced-fat vanilla wafers , finely crushed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar , packed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter or ¼ cup margarine , cold

FOR THE FILLING

• 1 (8 ounce) package neufchatel cheese , softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest , minced
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, & line 8" square baking dish with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan [to be used as handles to lift out baked & cooled pastry].
2. FOR THE CRUST: In medium bowl, combine wafer crumbs, 1/2 cup flour & brown sugar.
3. Cut in butter/margarine with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan.
5. Bake 15 minutes.
6. FOR THE FILLING: Meanwhile, in medium bowl, with electric mixer on medium speed, beat cheese & sugar until well blended.
7. Add eggs & 2 tablespoons flour, mixing well.
8. Blend in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, lemon juice & baking powder.
9. Pour over crust.
10. Bake 25-28 minutes or until center is set.
11. Cool completely, then cover & refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
12. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and/or garnish with remaining lemon zest.
13. Cut into squares to serve.
14. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Reviews

[2Bleu]

We made these with graham cracker crumbs in lieu of wafers and also added 1 tsp of lemon extract to the batter. A very easy and simple recipe to put together. Thanks for posting.

[CoffeeB]

Great lemon bar recipe!!! I didn't have lemons on hand for the zest and so used as stated the 1/4 cup lemon juice plus added in 1 t. of lemon extract as mentioned in a previous review. For the crust I pulsed in my food processor 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs with the remaining ingredients for more ease. (I will definitely be trying this recipe again w/the vanilla wafers.)
Made for Zaar Stars~

[Kittencalskitchen]

These came out wonderful with a light fluffy lemon filling, I used the juice of the whole lemon so this has really intense lemon flavor, thanks for sharing Syd!