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
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). 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.
