Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble crust with a smooth, tangy lemon and cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, they offer a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Ideal for gatherings or a simple sweet treat, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Filling
- 8 oz 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
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes to set it and develop a light golden color, then remove it from the oven to cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Beat well until fully combined and creamy in texture.
- Add filling to crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust and spread it to cover the entire surface.
- Bake bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation before slicing into 9 bars and serving.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best taste, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
