If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with creamy indulgence, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a buttery crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling kissed by fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a refreshing yet rich treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these bars deliver a delightful burst of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Each component plays a vital role: the flour and butter create a tender crust, cream cheese adds creaminess, and real lemons provide that unmistakable citrus zing that makes these bars truly shine.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons): Provides structure for both the crust and the creamy filling, ensuring perfect texture.
- Sugar (1/4 cup and 1 cup granulated): Balances out the tartness of the lemons with just the right sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender, flavorful crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warm note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors subtly, making everything pop.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the filling, lending a smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the filling and give it a luscious, custard-like texture.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds vibrant acidity and brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Delivers concentrated lemon flavor and aroma for an extra zing.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds a pretty, delicate finish and a touch of sweetness on top.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper makes sure your bars come out cleanly and keeps cleanup easy.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the dough comes together and then press it evenly into the bottom of your pan. This buttery base will give your bars a nice crisp texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy topping.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the cream cheese filling and adds a toasty depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Once your crust is out of the oven, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until wonderfully smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to ensure a silky mixture. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This combination creates a rich, tangy filling that’s silky with just the right amount of firmness once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the cream cheese filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are set and the top is lightly golden. The center might still jiggle a bit, but don’t worry—it will firm up perfectly as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Allow your lemon bars to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chilling them for at least two hours helps the filling fully set, making them easier to cut and even more delightful to eat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, you can dust your bars with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Slice into squares and prepare to wow everyone with these creamy, citrusy delights.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top can brighten up your presentation and add a subtle fragrance. A few mint leaves also pair beautifully with the citrus notes for a fresh, inviting touch.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but if you want to build a dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the tanginess with some mellow creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try layering the bars in a glass trifle dish alternating with whipped cream and berries. Or wrap individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine for charming gifts. These little ideas make the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe the perfect centerpiece, no matter the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you want a softer texture, but be careful not to melt the cream cheese filling entirely.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference in brightness and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work—just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no additives for the best results.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing these bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly makes them firmer and much easier to slice into neat squares without crumbling.
Can I substitute cream cheese with a lighter alternative?
While cream cheese is key for that signature creaminess, you can try a lighter version or Neufchâtel cheese, but expect a slight difference in texture and richness.
What can I do if my filling cracks during baking?
Cracks can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if you overbake. Bake just until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, as it will firm up while cooling.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written, since they contain all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dessert that’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, and this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. Whip up a batch to brighten your day or share with friends—it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes that everyone asks for again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every tangy, creamy bite!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy, creamy lemon filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, they offer a refreshing citrus twist on classic cream cheese bars. Easy to prepare and chill, they make a delightful dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
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). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together evenly. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Then mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until the filling is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the baked crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake the Filled Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center may jiggle slightly when moved, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Then place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and chill.
- Serve: Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve the lemon cream cheese bars chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Chilling the bars before serving helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- For easy removal from the pan, lining it with parchment paper is recommended.
- These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
