If you love lemon desserts, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a must-try! They have the perfect balance of buttery richness and citrusy tang, with a smooth, creamy filling layered over a tender, buttery crust. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are refreshing, indulgent, and completely irresistible.
Whether you’re making them for a spring gathering, a holiday dessert tray, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. The zingy lemon flavor paired with the rich cream cheese creates a bright and creamy dessert that’s hard to resist.
Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Buttery & Crisp Crust – The base is tender yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling.
✔️ Creamy, Tangy Lemon Filling – A mix of cream cheese and fresh lemon juice gives these bars the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
✔️ Simple & Easy – Just a few basic ingredients come together for a foolproof dessert.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – A great make-ahead treat for parties, brunches, or afternoon snacking.
✔️ Chills Beautifully – These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper for easy removal).
In a medium bowl, mix flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the flour, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be silky and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Pour the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the baked crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Once fully chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Slice into bars or squares, serve, and enjoy the bright, creamy, and buttery flavors!
These bars taste amazing cold and are perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Helpful Tips
✔️ Chill Before Slicing – For cleaner, neater cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing.
✔️ Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best tangy flavor compared to bottled juice.
✔️ Enhance the Crust – Add a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon for extra depth.
✔️ Make Them Extra Lemony – Add more lemon zest for an extra citrus kick!
✔️ Want a Thicker Layer? – Double the cream cheese filling for a creamier, more decadent version.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per bar, approximate)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best bright and tangy flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the center looks set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I serve with lemon cream cheese bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A cup of tea or coffee
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries for an extra fruity touch
Related Recipes
If you love these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, try these other delicious citrus desserts:
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert to Savor
- Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, tangy, and creamy treats. The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the smooth lemon cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a weeknight treat, these bars are easy, delicious, and sure to impress. Give them a try, and enjoy every zesty, creamy bite!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – Buttery, Tangy & Irresistibly Creamy!
Description
If you love lemon desserts, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a must-try! They have the perfect balance of buttery richness and citrusy tang, with a smooth, creamy filling layered over a tender, buttery crust. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are refreshing, indulgent, and completely irresistible.
Whether you’re making them for a spring gathering, a holiday dessert tray, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. The zingy lemon flavor paired with the rich cream cheese creates a bright and creamy dessert that’s hard to resist.
Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper for easy removal).
In a medium bowl, mix flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the flour, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be silky and smooth.
Pour the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the baked crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Once fully chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Slice into bars or squares, serve, and enjoy the bright, creamy, and buttery flavors!
These bars taste amazing cold and are perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out before slicing.