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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a precise 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the delicate dessert.
- Prepare the rectangular baking vessel by thoroughly coating with cooking spray or crafting a parchment paper sling to ensure effortless bar extraction.
- Combine the crust ingredients, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy granules that will form a sturdy foundation for the creamy topping.
- Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base that will support the luscious cream cheese layer.
- Blend the cream cheese filling ingredients using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture achieves a silky-smooth consistency without any lumps.
- Gently pour the velvety cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least two hours to enhance their structure and intensify the tangy lemon flavor.
- Slice into precise squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts to ensure neat, professional-looking dessert bars.
- 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