Creamy Lemon Squares

ok, so i totally slacked… i said i’d post these on wednesday and now it’s friday! oops. what can i say… life is busy. :) i have a picture i’ll post soon, but i just wanted to get the recipe posted for the weekend. they’d be perfect on mother’s day for dessert!

• 20 Nilla Wafer, finely crushed
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) Butter, cold
• 1 pkg. Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 3 tbsp. Flour
• 1 heaping tbsp. Grated Lemon Peel
• 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
• Powdered Sugar, to sprinkle on before serving

Preheat oven to 350*. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, with the ends of foil extending over the sides of the pan; set aside. Combine wafer crumbs, 1/2 cup flour and the brown sugar in a medium bowl.Cut in butter with two knives (or a pastry blender if you have one) until mixture is course crumbs; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.Add eggs and 2 tbsp. flour; mix well. Blend in lemon peel, lemon juice and baking powder; pour over crust.

Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until center is set. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.