Blackberry/Lime Easter Dessert

Easter is coming soon and you will probably have company coming or, even better, being asked out but bring a dessert. Here you are – so easy and certainly easy to take out.

• 2 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar, divided
• pinch of cinnamon
• 6-7 tbsp. melted butter
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 tbsp. of lime zest, save 1 tsp.
• 1 tbsp. lime juice, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 4 pkgs. Philadelphia cream cheese
• 1 cup whipping cream, whipped and sweetened.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, with ends hanging over for easy removal.

Mix together the cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp. sugar, cinnamon and melted butter and press into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Reserve 1/2 cup berries and 1 tsp. zest for later.

Beat together the cream cheese, lime juice, remaining zest and sugar until completely smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time on low speed, mixing well. Fold in the berries carefully and pour into the pan.

Bake 35-40 minutes until almost completely set (just giggle to check). Remove from the oven and cool down completely.

Refrigerate for 5-6 hours and when preparing to serve – pull out with the ‘handles’ of parchment paper and cut into bars. Top with a dollop of whipped cream , a berry and sprinkle the lime zest over.