Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that features a rich, creamy lemon-flavored filling atop a buttery crust. They’re not overly tart or overly sweet either. I think they’re a perfect springtime or summer dessert, and if you’re not a fan of lemon, feel free to substitute it with another citrus like lime or orange. It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s not overly complicated, you’ve come to the right place. When you make a buttery crust and pair it with a tangy cream cheese lemon filling, you get the perfect dessert bar. The addition of a dusting of powdered sugar just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for bright, citrusy flavors, and these dreamy bars remind me of sunny days. Not a fan of lemon? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious with another citrus.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, a refreshing and creamy dessert perfect for any sunny day!
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
