Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A middle cream cheese layer makes these a change — for the better — from the usual lemon squares.

Ingredients

4 eggs
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp powdered sugar

Cheesecake Layer:
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg

Base:
30 lemon social tea cookies
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions

Line 13- x 9-inch metal cake pan with parchment paper or grease.

Base: In food processor, crush cookies to make 2 cups ; pulse in butter until moistened. Press into prepared pan. Bake in center of 325°F (160°C) oven until firm, about 12 minutes. Let cool on rack.

Cheesecake Layer: In bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth; beat in egg. Spread over base. Set aside.

In bowl, beat eggs with sugar until thickened. Beat in lemon rind and juice, flour and baking powder until smooth; pour over cheese layer. Bake in center of 325°F (160°C) oven until edges are set and brown, 35 minutes. Let cool on rack