Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

If you’re a fan of desserts that are both refreshing and indulgent, then you’re going to absolutely fall in love with these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. They’re the perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich, creamy goodness. The buttery crust gives way to a smooth, creamy filling, with that lovely citrus punch that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Here’s why these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars should be on your must-make list:

Refreshing and Tangy:

The lemon flavor is bright and zesty without being overpowering, giving you that perfect tangy taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Rich and Creamy:

The cream cheese filling is velvety and smooth, providing the perfect contrast to the tangy lemon. It’s indulgent without being too heavy.

Perfect Texture:

These bars strike the perfect balance between a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, creamy filling. It’s the kind of dessert you can’t wait to sink your teeth into.

Easy to Make:

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With just a few ingredients, you can create an irresistible dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Versatile for Any Occasion:

These bars are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a little treat to brighten up your week. They’re the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Ingredients in Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

This dessert comes together with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s break it down:

Graham Cracker Crumbs:

A buttery, slightly sweet base that’s both crunchy and crumbly, providing a solid foundation for the creamy filling.

Butter:

We’re using melted butter to bind the graham cracker crumbs and give the crust its rich, indulgent flavor.

Sugar:

A little bit of sugar is added to the crust and filling to balance out the tanginess of the lemon and enhance the sweetness of the cream cheese.

Cream Cheese:

The star of the filling! It’s rich, creamy, and gives the bars their velvety texture.

Eggs:

Eggs are key to holding the filling together and creating that perfectly smooth texture.

Lemon Juice:

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is what brings that zesty, refreshing flavor to the bars. You can also zest the lemon to give it an extra citrusy punch.

Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla helps to round out the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic sweetness to the creamy filling.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here’s how you make them:

Make the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined, and the crumbs are evenly coated in butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even crust.

Bake the Crust:

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. If you want a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.

Assemble the Bars:

Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the filling covers the entire crust and reaches the edges.

Bake the Bars:

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. The bars should be slightly firm to the touch but not too jiggly.

Cool and Set:

Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This step is crucial to getting the right texture.

Slice and Serve:

Once chilled and set, slice the bars into squares. For a finishing touch, you can dust them with a little powdered sugar or garnish with lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 3%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 3%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These bars are absolutely delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more delightful:

With Fresh Fruit:

Top the bars with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and extra freshness. A dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt either!

Dust with Powdered Sugar:

For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a little sweetness and makes them look extra pretty.

With a Lemon Glaze:

If you’re craving more lemon flavor, drizzle a tangy lemon glaze over the bars for a zesty kick.

As a Standalone Dessert:

These bars are perfect on their own! They have that perfect balance of richness and tartness that makes them irresistible.

Additional Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for getting that vibrant, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t do the trick here!
• Don’t skip the chilling time: The bars need to chill for a couple of hours to set properly. Don’t rush this step, as it’s essential for the texture.
• Add zest for extra lemon flavor: If you love lemon, add some lemon zest to the filling. It really enhances the citrus flavor.
• Cut into small squares: These bars are rich, so cutting them into smaller pieces will make them the perfect bite-sized treat.
• Store leftovers in the fridge: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a shortbread crust, or even use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Yes! These bars need to be chilled, so they’re perfect for making ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A3: Yes! Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q4: Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
A4: Absolutely! A store-bought graham cracker crust will save you time if you’re in a rush, but making your own crust adds a delicious homemade touch.

Q5: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and check that your cream cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free to make these bars gluten-free.

Q6: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A6: The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still a little firm. It shouldn’t jiggle when you tap the pan.

Q7: Can I add more lemon flavor?
A7: If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the filling or increase the amount of lemon juice slightly.

Q8: How do I slice these bars neatly?
A8: To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and dip it in warm water between cuts. This will prevent the filling from sticking to the knife.

Q9: Can I add other fruits to the bars?
A9: Yes! You can top the bars with fresh fruit like berries or even mix in fruit like raspberries or strawberries into the filling before baking.

Q10: How do I store these bars?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They taste even better the next day!

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert dream come true—tangy, creamy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to brighten up your week, these bars are sure to impress. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, bake up a batch, and prepare to fall in love with every bite!

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