Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Tangy, creamy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a buttery crust and smooth lemon-flavored filling. Perfectly sweet and refreshing, they’re great for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32–37 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour + 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 9 bars (or 16 small squares)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Pinch of salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Press mixture into the pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake crust for 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven, but keep oven on.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over hot crust and smooth evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use a graham cracker crust instead of the flour crust for variety.
Swirl in berry jam or raspberry puree for added fruit flavor.
Try lime zest and juice for a zesty lime version.
Top with powdered sugar or thin lemon slices for a pretty finish.
Cut into bite-sized squares for party trays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (of 9)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/lemon-cream-cheese-bars/
