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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
