Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy with a buttery crust. They’re simple to make, refreshing, and great for parties, potlucks, or an easy dessert any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix butter, flour, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into a greased or lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla. Blend well. Spread over the baked crust evenly.
- Make Lemon Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Gently pour over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set. Cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg