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.
Key Ingredients for an Irresistible Dessert
- Cream cheese delivers a rich, silky texture that’s incredibly smooth.
- Fresh lemons—both zest and juice—infuse a vibrant citrus flavor that is refreshing and bold.
- Buttery, crumbly crust adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling, typically made with flour, butter, and sugar.
The Joy of Baking Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
The process of making these bars is as enjoyable as eating them. It starts with crafting a simple crust, which serves as the base for the luscious lemon and cream cheese filling. Once the filling—made of cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and eggs—is spread over the crust and baked to perfection, you’re left with a beautifully layered dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why They’re Always a Hit
Beyond their delicious flavor, Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are incredibly versatile. A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a garnish of lemon slices, or a side of fresh berries can elevate their presentation. This flexibility makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to upscale dinner parties.
The recipe also invites personalization. Adjusting the sweetness or lemony tang allows bakers to tailor the bars to their liking, while additions like vanilla extract or almond flour can introduce new flavors and textures.
Simple yet full of flavor, these lemon bars melt in your mouth and are perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re in need of a bright, refreshing treat. They’re sure to impress every time.
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Savor these delightful Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, where the perfect blend of sweet and tangy meets a creamy, velvety texture. More than just a dessert, they’re a treat for the senses!
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 extra for dusting
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor, blender, or using a pastry cutter, blend the flour, sugar, salt, and butter cubes until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Firmly press this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Bake the bars: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is firm and set.
- Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Use the foil overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For extra lemony goodness, stir in a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the filling.
- Baking at high altitudes? If the bars are too soft, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking until set.
