Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that brings together creamy, tangy, and sweet in every bite, let me introduce you to these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a silky lemon-kissed cream cheese layer, these bars are pure sunshine on a plate. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to dazzle at a summer picnic or brunch with friends. Every time I make them, they disappear in a flash—no wonder they’ve become a staple in my dessert rotation!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is how each ingredient, though basic, plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp crust to the luscious filling, every element counts—so let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust, providing structure and just the right amount of tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the creamy filling, balancing the tartness from the lemon.
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Helps create a rich, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show—gives the bars their signature creamy, tangy filling.
Large egg: Binds the filling together and adds a touch of richness.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings that bright, zesty flavor that makes these bars so irresistible.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling, complementing the lemon beautifully.
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A final flourish that looks lovely and adds a hint of sweetness to each bite.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it if that’s easier for you. This step is key for easy bar removal later—no one likes stuck-on dessert!

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or even just a fork, blending until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. This sets the stage for that irresistible base layer in your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While your crust bakes, grab another bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is silky and fully combined, taking in the wonderful aroma of lemon as you go.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the cream cheese mixture right over the still-warm base. Smooth the top gently with a spatula, ensuring an even layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18 to 22 minutes, or until the filling looks set and just barely jiggles in the center when nudged.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time makes them easier to slice into perfect squares and enhances that creamy texture. Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar if you like, and cut into nine luscious bars—your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are ready to shine!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Garnishes

A delicate dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add some extra lemon zest or a few fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. A thin lemon slice perched on each bar takes them from casual treat to showstopper!

Side Dishes

Serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. A hot cup of tea or a frosty glass of iced coffee pair beautifully, balancing the richness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the bars in a neat grid on a platter, each nestled in a cupcake liner. Or, for a party, cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative toothpicks—a perfect finger food for brunch spreads and dessert tables!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for stress-free entertaining.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat them in the oven or microwave; they’re delightfully creamy straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice truly makes a difference in both flavor and fragrance. If you can, always choose fresh lemons for your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should look slightly firm around the edges and just barely jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools and chills, so don’t overbake.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking times, as the bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Check your other ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I add berries or other fruit?

Definitely! Try sprinkling fresh blueberries or raspberries over the cream cheese filling before baking for a colorful, fruity twist. Just be sure not to overload the bars so they still set up nicely.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars soon. They’re irresistibly creamy, bright, and completely satisfying—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Trust me, this recipe is the kind of treat that turns any day into something special!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a smooth and tangy lemon cream cheese filling, making them a perfect, refreshing dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)

Filling

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup sugar, the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until creamy and well combined.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the warm crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting.
Serve: If desired, dust the bars with powdered sugar before slicing and serving. Cut into 9 bars and enjoy.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons.
These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can freeze the bars for longer storage; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American