Description
Bright and zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery crust and creamy lemon filling, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the crust)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Poppy seeds for texture (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Blind-bake the crust for 15 minutes until set.
- Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and salt until combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Cool for 30-60 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Slice and serve, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished as desired.
Notes
For the best texture, use room temperature cream cheese. Chill bars before slicing for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon dessert, cream cheese bars, easy dessert, baking, lemon bars