Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars bring a little burst of sunshine to every bite. The soft cake base, dreamy lemon-kissed cream cheese layer, and perfect balance of tart and sweet make this dessert a crowd-pleaser for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or just want a cheerful pick-me-up on a rainy day, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect treat to whip up and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture in these delightful bars. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the simple buttery crust to the zesty, luscious filling.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation of our bars, providing a soft, subtly sweet base that’s fast and foolproof.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Adds rich moisture and brings the crust together beautifully.
- Large egg (1, for crust): Helps bind the crust, ensuring it holds together and bakes up tender.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the velvety, tangy layer that makes these bars irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the creamy filling, giving it a silky-smooth finish.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): The real punch of vibrant lemon flavor that makes these bars pop.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds extra zing and bright citrus aroma for maximum freshness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and rounds out the tartness.
- Large egg (1, for filling): Gives structure to the cheesecake layer so it sets perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures every slice comes out clean and beautiful, and that golden crust bakes evenly from edge to edge.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir everything until a soft dough forms—don’t worry, it will be thick and a little sticky. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish with clean hands or a spatula to form a smooth, even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it turns irresistibly smooth. Add the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, vanilla extract, and the remaining egg. Mix until creamy and fully combined—try not to eat it straight off the spoon!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it out gently and evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the center has set with just a gentle wobble.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. For clean, neat bars and the best texture, refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing into squares. Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
For extra flair, dust your bars lightly with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest right before serving. A few fresh berries or a twist of lemon peel make the bars look as lively and bright as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a mug of herbal tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of cold lemonade. They also go remarkably well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a bowl of fresh summer fruit for casual gatherings or dessert spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Lemon Cream Cheese Bars into small bite-sized cubes and arrange them on a dessert board with strawberries and mint, or try layering pieces in mini jars with whipped cream for a playful trifle. For brunch, serve them on a cheerful cake stand with edible flowers for an instant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay deliciously fresh and creamy for up to five days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or lunchbox surprises.
Freezing
If you want to stash a batch for later, individually wrap the chilled bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months, so you can enjoy a taste of sunshine whenever you crave it.
Reheating
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the cream cheese layer to weep and lose its perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for the base?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, try white or even lemon cake mix for a fun twist. Each will give the bars a slightly different flavor profile and color.
How do I make the lemon flavor even stronger?
To bump up the lemon zing, simply add more lemon zest or a drop or two of lemon extract to the filling. You can even add a little extra fresh lemon juice if you like it extra tart.
Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for the regular version. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free mixes sometimes cook a bit differently.
Why do the bars need to be chilled before cutting?
Chilling helps the cream cheese filling set completely, ensuring you get clean, tidy squares instead of a sticky mess. It also deepens the lemony flavor and makes each bite refreshingly cool.
Are Lemon Cream Cheese Bars suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, these bars are vegetarian-friendly, as none of the ingredients contain meat or gelatin. Just check your cake mix and cream cheese to make sure they align with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s simple, tangy, and guaranteed to impress, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are your answer. Every bite is a sweet little indulgence that brightens the day—don’t wait to try them and share their cheery magic with someone you love!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese with these irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. A buttery cake mix crust supports a luscious layer of lemon-infused cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Crust: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into the dish.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and egg. Mix well.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour filling over crust, spread evenly. Bake 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Enhance lemon flavor with extra zest or lemon extract.
- Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
