Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful blend of tangy lemon zest and smooth cream cheese, striking the ideal balance between sweet and tart. A favorite at gatherings, these bars add a refreshing touch to any dessert spread. Loved across generations, they often bring to mind warm, sunny days and relaxed afternoons.

Their appeal lies not only in taste but also in the simplicity of both ingredients and preparation, making them a go-to for beginner bakers and seasoned chefs alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cream Cheese Lemon Bars strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. The buttery shortbread crust melts in your mouth, while the rich, velvety lemon filling has a lovely citrus zing that keeps you coming back for more.

They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and feel just fancy enough for any special gathering or simple afternoon treat.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes (including crust pre-bake)
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Total Time: ~5 hours (mostly inactive)
• Servings: 16 bars
• Equipment Needed: 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper or foil, electric mixer, mixing bowls, citrus juicer, sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)

Ingredients

For the Crust:

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

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. Lightly grease the lining.
2. Make the Crust: In a food processor (or using a pastry cutter or your fingertips), combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse or blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and silky in texture.
5. Bake Again: Pour the filling over the warm crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges may puff slightly—that’s perfect.
6. Cool & Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then cover the pan and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This helps the bars set properly and enhances their flavor.
7. Serve: Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into clean squares and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that extra elegant touch.

Pro Tips

• Room Temp Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating. This ensures a lump-free, creamy filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice Only: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness or zing. Go fresh!
• Clean Cuts: For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut.
• Chill Well: Don’t rush the chilling step—this is when the filling firms up and flavors meld beautifully.
• Extra Zest: Want even more citrus punch? Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the filling.