Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these lemon cream cheese bars! They’re like a little slice of sunshine on a plate. With a buttery crust that crumbles just right beneath that creamy, dreamy lemon filling, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I remember the first time I made these for a backyard barbecue; I was nervous about how everyone would react. But as soon as I set them out, they disappeared faster than I could say “lemon zest!” Everyone raved about the refreshing flavor, and I felt like a rockstar in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be making them for every gathering—and maybe even just for a little treat for yourself! They’re that good!
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to whip up your lemon cream cheese bars. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of flavor and texture!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your buttery crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Trust me, it gives that crust its melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten the crust without overpowering the lemony goodness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is the star of the show! It creates that luscious, creamy filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For a touch of sweetness that blends beautifully with the cream cheese.
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together and give the filling its lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best! It adds that zesty zing we all love.
- 1 tsp lemon zest – This intensifies the lemon flavor, making every bite a burst of sunshine.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla complements the lemon perfectly.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking, and you’ll be on your way to making these irresistible bars!
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Getting started on these lemon cream cheese bars is super easy and so rewarding! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious treat in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly. So, don’t skip this step! While the oven is heating up, you can get everything else ready.
Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is crumbly. You’re looking for a texture that resembles wet sand—just soft enough to hold together. Now, press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. It’s important to pack it down well so it holds its shape while baking. Trust me, a good crust will make all the difference!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This part is my favorite because it smells so good! Once combined, add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s all well blended and looks dreamy. This creamy filling is what makes these bars so irresistible!
Bake and Cool
Now, pour that luscious cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Once done, let them cool in the dish for a bit, then transfer them to the refrigerator. It’s best to chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. This helps them firm up beautifully, making them easy to slice and serve. Wow, you’re almost there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lemon cream cheese bars are an absolute delight, and I can’t wait for you to experience them! Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite in your home:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for those moments when you need a sweet treat fast!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy, tangy lemon filling and buttery crust is just heavenly. Each bite is a burst of sunshine!
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a big gathering with friends, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re great for any occasion!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve, making entertaining a breeze.
- Customizable: Feel free to add a dusting of powdered sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream on top to elevate the presentation!
Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and tart, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect lemon cream cheese bars is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail this recipe every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a creamy filling without lumps!
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Always opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest pack a flavor punch that makes a world of difference in your bars!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the filling ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in your bars as they cool.
- Chill Before Cutting: Patience is key! Allow your bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before slicing. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting much easier.
- Use a Sharp Knife: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This will help you achieve those perfect, neat squares!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of lemon glaze can take your bars to the next level.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most scrumptious lemon cream cheese bars that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these delightful lemon cream cheese bars? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 bar). Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These bars pack a delicious punch without going overboard on calories, making them a sweet treat you can enjoy without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about these scrumptious lemon cream cheese bars. Let’s dive in so you can whip them up with confidence!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These lemon cream cheese bars are perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, I recommend it! Just prepare them as directed, let them cool, and then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving. They can be made a day or two in advance—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, they’re ready to impress your guests whenever you need them!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a cream cheese alternative, there are a few options! You can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture, or try a thick dairy-free yogurt if you’re aiming for a vegan version. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. If you’re going dairy-free, look for a cream cheese substitute made from nuts or tofu, which can work beautifully in this recipe!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! You’ll know your lemon cream cheese bars are done when the edges are set and there’s just a tiny bit of jiggle in the center. They should look slightly puffed up and golden around the edges. Don’t worry if it seems a little wobbly in the middle; it’ll firm up as they cool and chill in the fridge. Trust me, that slight jiggle is what keeps them creamy and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover lemon cream cheese bars is super easy! Just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. I love to cut them into squares before storing, so they’re ready to grab whenever that sweet craving hits!
If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze these bars. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. No need to reheat—just serve them chilled for that refreshing lemony taste!
So, whether you’re enjoying them straight from the fridge or sharing with friends, these lemon cream cheese bars are sure to brighten your day anytime you reach for them!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: 7 Irresistible Bites of Sunshine
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious lemon cream cheese bars with a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and granulated sugar until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars, dessert bars, lemon dessert
