Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy zest of lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth and tangy lemon cream cheese filling, and a sweet glaze on top. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings, these bars are refreshing, easy to make, and sure to impress!
Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread it evenly.
Bake the Bars:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Add the Glaze (optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
Tips
Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Don’t Overbake: The bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven. They will set as they cool.
Chill Before Serving: For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
Notes
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations: Add a thin layer of raspberry or blueberry jam between the crust and filling for a fruity twist.
Nutrition (per serving, makes 12 bars):
Calories: ~250 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 4g
Enjoy these zesty, creamy, and indulgent Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as a sweet treat for any occasion! 🍋
