Short Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a sweet and tangy dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a bright burst of fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or a refreshing treat any time of the year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Refreshing – The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Creamy & Buttery – A rich cream cheese layer over a soft, buttery crust.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a hassle-free baking process.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for picnics, parties, or just a sweet indulgence.
- Customizable – Adjust the lemon flavor to your preference for extra zing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Lemon Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Preparing the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Making the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar, and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Baking:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Finishing Touch:
- Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled for the best flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 bars
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Chilling time: 1 hour
Variations
- Extra Lemony – Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Berry Twist – Swirl in a few teaspoons of raspberry or blueberry jam before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
- Coconut Addition – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for extra texture and tropical flavor.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crust for a crunchy bite.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Best served chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
How do I know when the filling is set?
The edges should be slightly firm, and the center should not jiggle when gently shaken.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wipe it clean between cuts.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight!
How do I prevent the crust from getting too hard?
Do not overbake the crust before adding the filling; it should be lightly golden, not browned.
Can I add vanilla extract to the filling?
Yes, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract can add extra depth of flavor.
What’s the best way to dust with powdered sugar?
Use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the top.
Can I use a food processor to make the crust?
Yes, pulse the butter, sugar, and flour together until crumbly, then press into the pan.
What other toppings work well?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of white chocolate make great additions.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just need a refreshing dessert, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a bite of sunshine!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a buttery, tangy, and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth! With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious lemon cream cheese filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A refreshing treat for spring, summer, or anytime you need a little sunshine!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the topping.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the baked crust.
3. Assemble & Bake:
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a perfect finishing touch!
- Enjoy chilled or at room temperature
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later!
- Add a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: american