Walnut Cream Cheese Cake

 

1 ½ c. finely chopped walnuts

1 ½ c. sugar, plus 2 T., divided

1 c. butter, plus 2 T., divided

2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

½ t. salt

½ pound cream cheese

1 t. grated lemon rind

4 large eggs

¾ c. coarsely chopped walnuts

 

To make crust: In medium bowl, mix finely chopped walnuts, 2 T. sugar and 2 T. butter, blend.  Press on bottom and part of the way up sides of a grease 2 qt. Bundt pan.  Bake at 400 degrees, 6 minutes or until golden.  Remove pan and cool.

Filling:  Sift flour, powder and salt, set aside.  Cream remaining butter, gradually add cream cheese, remaining 1 ½ cups sugar and lemon.  Beat until smooth.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Batter may seem slightly curdled.  Add flour and mix.  Fold in coarsely chopped walnuts.  Turn batter into bundt pan and bake 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Makes 12-16 servings.