If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, you’ve got to try my lemon cream cheese bars recipe! These bars are a tangy delight, featuring a creamy lemon filling resting on a buttery, crumbly crust. Every bite bursts with that bright, zesty flavor that I just can’t resist. I remember the first time I made these for a picnic; everyone raved about them, and they disappeared within minutes! It’s one of those recipes that brings people together. Trust me, once you taste that perfect balance of sweet and tart, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive into this easy, scrumptious treat that’s sure to brighten any day.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (make sure to use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together to create the most delightful lemon cream cheese bars you’ll ever taste. Don’t skimp on the fresh lemon juice and zest—they’re what really elevate this dessert and give it that zingy flavor we all love!
How to Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Preparing the Crust
First things first, let’s get that crust ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. This sweet and simple mixture is the base of our delicious bars! Next, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until it’s crumbly. You want it to hold together when pressed, but still have those lovely little chunks!
Now, take that crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan. Make sure it’s even—this will be the foundation for your creamy filling! Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Making the Creamy Filling
While the crust cools, let’s whip up that luscious lemon filling! In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial—make sure there are no lumps! Next, add in 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together on low speed until just combined. You want that beautiful, creamy consistency without overmixing, so be gentle!
Baking Instructions
Once your filling is ready, pour it over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Now, back into the oven it goes! Bake for an additional 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the center has a little jiggle but isn’t liquidy. It’s such a tease to watch them bake, but resist the urge to peek too much! Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. If you can wait, chilling them in the fridge for a bit will make them even firmer and more refreshing!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon cream cheese bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. Trust me, the flavor difference is huge! Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have that bright, zesty kick you want in this dessert.
Another tip is to let your cream cheese soften completely before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling, and we definitely want that smooth, creamy texture! If you forget to take it out in advance, you can cut it into small cubes and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to melt it.
When baking the crust, keep an eye on it towards the end of the 15 minutes. Ovens can vary, and you want it to turn golden but not brown. If you’re unsure, a light golden color is the goal! Finally, patience is key when it comes to cooling. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting, and if you can chill them in the fridge, do it! This helps them firm up and makes for cleaner cuts. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each bar of my lemon cream cheese bars recipe. Each serving contains about 200 calories, with 10g of fat (6g of which are saturated), and 15g of sugar. You’ll also get around 2g of protein and 25g of carbohydrates, along with 1g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, if you’re counting macros or just curious, this info can help you enjoy these delicious treats while keeping track of your intake!
FAQ Section
Can I make these lemon cream cheese bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better after a day in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready for you whenever you need a sweet treat!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I add other flavors to the lemon cream cheese bars recipe?
Definitely! If you want to mix it up, try adding a bit of lime zest or orange zest to the filling for a citrus twist. You can also fold in some fresh berries for a fruity surprise!
Why did my lemon cream cheese bars crack?
Cracking can happen if the filling is overbaked or if it cools too quickly. To avoid this, make sure to bake them just until set and let them cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. If it’s too liquidy in the center, give them a few extra minutes. Just remember, they will continue to set as they cool!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just under an hour!
- Deliciously tangy flavor that perfectly balances sweet and sour.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Easy to cut into bars, making them perfect for sharing!
- Perfectly creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for any occasion, from picnics to dinner parties.
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Trust me, once you taste these lemon cream cheese bars, you’ll be adding them to your go-to dessert list!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your lemon cream cheese bars is super easy and ensures you can enjoy them for days! Once they’re completely cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and trust me, they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are best served chilled, with that creamy, tangy filling just melting in your mouth. Enjoy your delicious treats any time you crave a sweet bite!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try my lemon cream cheese bars recipe as I am to share it with you! If you make these delightful treats, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out or if you added your own twist to the recipe! And if you enjoyed them, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this tasty dessert. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see how your lemon bars turn out!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: 7 Zesty Moments to Savor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and tangy dessert featuring a creamy lemon filling on a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar.
- Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill the bars in the fridge for a firmer texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars recipe