Dreamy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe for Zesty Indulgence

These delectable lemon cream cheese bars offer a zesty twist on classic dessert favorites.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate.

Tangy cream cheese provides a luxurious base for the vibrant lemon flavor.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle tartness.

The recipe delivers a refreshing treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

Your next gathering deserves these irresistible bars that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Pairing These Bars With the Right Drinks or Snacks

• Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy lemon cream cheese bars. The wine's bright, acidic notes will enhance the dessert's citrusy flavor profile.
• Brew a refreshing mint or chamomile tea to balance the richness of the cream cheese and provide a cooling contrast to the dessert's sweet intensity.
• Garnish the bars with a small handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries. The berries' natural sweetness and slight tartness will beautifully highlight the lemon's zesty undertones.
• Top each lemon cream cheese bar with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy, smooth vanilla will soften the dessert's sharp citrus notes and create a luxurious texture combination.

Creative Flavors to Try in Your Next Lemon Bar Batch

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace standard flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the same creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Squares: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese, using flax eggs instead of traditional eggs for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the dessert's signature lemony brightness.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use coconut flour, erythritol as sweetener, and full-fat cream cheese to create a low-carb version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Are Bright and Buttery

• Perfect for home bakers who want a delightful dessert without complex techniques.
• Combines simple ingredients to create a zesty, creamy treat that requires just basic mixing and baking skills.
• Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend dessert cravings with its bright, tangy lemon profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Preparation takes under 30 minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into These Tangy Sweet Bars

• Graham Crackers, Butter: A classic base that provides a crisp, sweet foundation with rich buttery notes. Graham crackers work best when finely crushed for a smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates a smooth, tangy base. Full-fat cream cheese delivers the best flavor and consistency.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Help set the filling and provide structure. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes. Fresh lemons will give the best taste and zesty punch.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a light, sweet dusting that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness. Sifting prevents clumps for a smooth finish.

Steps to Bake Lemon Bars With Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Foundation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Select a 9×13-inch baking pan and prepare it by either greasing the surface thoroughly or lining it completely with parchment paper to ensure smooth bar removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base for your bars.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and completely integrated, with no visible lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Crack eggs into the cream cheese mixture, beating gently until the filling becomes silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread evenly using a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and develop rich, tangy flavors.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into neat squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the zesty, creamy delight!

Pro Tips for, Lemony Perfection

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
• Zest Lemons Carefully: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the bright yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to create a crisp, stable base that won't get mushy.
• Balance Lemon Flavor: Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste, starting with less and adding incrementally to control tartness without overwhelming the creamy base.
• Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate bars for at least 2-3 hours after baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve a firm, clean-cutting texture.

Storing Lemon Bars Without Losing That Zing

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.
• Wrap the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and taste.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cream cheese bars blend tangy citrus with rich, creamy sweetness for a delightful dessert. Silky smooth filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promises refreshing indulgence that will satisfy your dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

Citrus Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest

Secondary Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar (for optional dusting)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the delicate dessert.
2. Prepare the rectangular baking vessel by thoroughly coating with cooking spray or crafting a parchment paper sling to ensure effortless bar extraction.
3. Combine the crust ingredients, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy granules that will form a sturdy foundation for the creamy topping.
4. Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base that will support the luscious cream cheese layer.
5. Blend the cream cheese filling ingredients using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture achieves a silky-smooth consistency without any lumps.
6. Gently pour the velvety cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
7. Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake until the edges turn golden and the center sets with a subtle jiggle.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature, which allows the filling to firm up and develop a perfect texture.
9. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least two hours to enhance their structure and intensify the tangy lemon flavor.
10. Slice into precise squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts to ensure neat, professional-looking dessert bars.
11. Garnish with optional lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal and add a final burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures smooth, lump-free mixing and a creamy texture in every bite.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and add bright, citrusy notes throughout the bars.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to guarantee even blending and consistent baking results.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, maintaining the delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg