Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are the dessert you never knew you needed, but bake them once, and you’ll never go without them again. Sweet, cream cheesy, lemony, buttery, and so easy!

For more quick desserts, try my recipes for Apple Slab Pie, Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars, and Cream Cheese Lemon Crumb Cake.

Confession: I’m a lemon dessert lover. And a cheesecake lover. So it only makes sense that I put these two flavors together into one easy dessert, right?

Spring has sprung and with it my mindset has changed somewhat in terms of what flavors and foods I’m in the mood for. Even if the days are somewhat chilly and it’s not quite yet time to start the garden, I’m still thinking about cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and those days when friends stop over for a bit and end up staying through dinner. Those are the best days, right?

These classic lemon bars are perfect for those days…well, for any day really! But, if you’re looking for a delicious dessert that isn’t too heavy and uses a lot of pantry and fridge staples, then this is it, my friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bright, zesty flavors balanced with creamy textures, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars will quickly become your favorite. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinners, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Plus, they bring a refreshing twist to the traditional lemon bar with a rich cream cheese layer.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Foil or parchment paper
• Food processor or blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter – chilled and cut into small cubes

For the filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ¾ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar – plus more for topping
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9×13 inch pan with foil or parchment with plenty of overhang around the edges to lift the bars out of the pan before cutting.
2. Prepare the crust by combining flour, sugar, salt, and butter cubes in a food processor or blender. Cover and pulse until fine crumbs form. (You can also do this with a pastry cutter, fork, or with your fingers in a large bowl.)
3. Press crust into prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the filling by combining cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl. Cream together until smooth. Mix in flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla until completely incorporated.
5. Pour filling over crust and return to oven for 30 minutes.
6. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes, then cover and chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Lift the foil edges to remove the bars from the pan, slice into squares, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, and serve.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother filling.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Bake the crust just until it’s set to prevent overbaking.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for even more lemony goodness. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the crust ingredients until they form fine crumbs.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as I am to share them with you. They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten up your day. Once you’ve baked a batch, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Happy baking!