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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a tangy, creamy lemon filling paired with a buttery, slightly crumbly crust. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a refreshing dessert for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

 

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and flour until fully combined.
  6. Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
  7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
  8. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  9. Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, and cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon extract to the filling.
  2. These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
  3. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, so it blends smoothly into the filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of the recipe)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg