Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a tangy, smooth lemon cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and fresh lemon zest, these bars are an easy-to-make, refreshing dessert ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and flour until the filling is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is mostly set and lightly golden on top. The center might still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set properly.
- Serve: Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, authentic lemon flavor.
- Parchment paper lining makes removing the bars from the pan easier and cleaner.
- Chilling the bars after baking is essential for the filling to set properly.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
