Strawberry Lemon Bars

My favorite thing about Easter Brunch is the dessert table. I love being able to try all the different types of desserts, especially any dessert that is lemon flavored. So today, I thought I would share with you one of my favorite Easter Brunch dessert recipes, Strawberry Lemon Bars. 

YIELD: 24 Bars

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES                                                                        

INGREDIENTS

CRUST:

• 2 boxes Krusteaz Meyer Lemon Bar Mix

LEMON LAYER:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed 
• 2 packets lemon mixes from Krusteaz Meyer Lemon Bar Mix
• 2/3 cup water
• 6 large eggs

LEMON FROSTING:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8oz package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13 by 9-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; coat the foil with cooking spray. Set aside.

For Lemon Layer: 

1. 1. Using a blender, blend fresh strawberries until pureed. In a mixing bowl, whisk lemon mix packets, water, eggs and strawberry mixture until well blended. Let sit.

For Crust: 

1. 1. Press both crust packets evenly into baking pan. Bake 8-10 minutes.
2. 2. Pour lemon layer over hot crust. Bake 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 45 minutes then transfer to refrigerator and chill at least 2 hours.

For Lemon Frosting: 

1. 1. Beat softened butter on medium speed with an electric or stand mixer for 3 minutes. Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, lemon extract, and heavy cream, increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes.
2. 2. Spread an even layer over chilled bars. Cut into squares.