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.