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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- 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.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
- 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.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, and cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon extract to the filling.
- These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- 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