Cream Cheese Lemon Bars have become my go-to treat whenever I need a burst of sunshine. I first tried making them years ago, hoping for a simple dessert that tasted gourmet, and let me tell you, they delivered! The aroma of fresh lemon zest filling my kitchen is just heavenly, and the combination of that buttery, crumbly crust with the smooth, tangy cream cheese filling is pure bliss. These are truly some of the easy cream cheese lemon bars I’ve ever whipped up, and they consistently earn rave reviews. If you’re searching for the best cream cheese lemon bar recipe, look no further. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
These bars are an absolute delight for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: A perfect harmony of sweet, buttery crust and a bright, tangy cream cheese lemon filling.
- Quick Prep: You can whip up the batter in under 20 minutes, making them a fantastic weeknight treat.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making them an affordable indulgence.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet and tart cream cheese lemon squares.
- Versatile Dessert: They’re a simple cream cheese lemon dessert that works for picnics, parties, or just a Tuesday.
- Impressive Presentation: A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look as good as they taste.
- Satisfying Texture: The contrast between the crumbly crust and smooth filling is divine.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Gathering the right cream cheese lemon bar ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and tart. You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our buttery crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes – essential for a flaky and tender crust
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – the star for that luscious, tangy filling
- 2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness in the filling
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – helps thicken the filling
- 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice – for that signature bright, citrusy kick
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping – adds sweetness and a beautiful finish
- 6 large eggs – helps bind the filling and gives it a rich texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – rounds out the flavors
How to Make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Whipping up these delightful homemade lemon cream cheese bars is a straightforward process that guarantees a fantastic outcome every time. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough overhang to easily lift the bars out later. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- Step 2: Let’s make that crust! In a food processor, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 3: Now for the star of the show: the filling! In a large bowl, beat the 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and 2 cups granulated sugar together until they’re wonderfully smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Next, mix in the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup powdered sugar. Then, gradually add the 6 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This creates the luscious lemon bars with cream cheese filling that everyone loves.
- Step 5: Gently pour this glorious filling over the partially baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle – it’s a characteristic of truly excellent classic cream cheese lemon bars.
- Step 6: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow them to fully set and develop their flavor.
- Step 7: Finally, use the foil or parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled bars from the pan. Slice them into squares, dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a pretty finish, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make these bars absolutely spectacular. Follow these tips for guaranteed success:
- Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest filling.
- Don’t overbake! The center should still be a little jiggly when you take them out; they finish setting as they cool.
- Let them chill completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect Cream Cheese Lemon Bars?
The secret is in the balance! Using both fresh lemon juice and zest amplifies the citrus flavor. Plus, ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature creates a truly silky smooth filling, essential for those classic cream cheese lemon bars.
Can I make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire batch a day in advance. Once completely cooled and chilled, store them covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for meal prep and ensures they’re ready to go whenever a craving strikes. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these last recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cream Cheese Lemon Bars?
A common pitfall is overmixing the filling, which can make them tough. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture and is often why why are my lemon bars crumbly. Ensure they chill thoroughly before slicing for the best texture.
Best Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
These delightful bars are fantastic on their own, but presentation can elevate them even further. For a truly special treat, consider dusting them with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving, which adds a touch of elegance. They’re also wonderful served chilled alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for inspiration for other lemon desserts, I’ve found that pairing them with recipes that feature a bright cream cheese frosting complements their tangy flavor beautifully. These bars are so versatile, they truly shine no matter how you serve them!
Nutrition Facts for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Let’s talk about what goes into these delightful treats! For a single serving, which is typically one square of these delicious bars, here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. For more information on general baking nutrition, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Once your delicious Cream Cheese Lemon Bars have cooled completely, proper storage is key to maintaining their wonderful texture and flavor. For the best easy cream cheese lemon bars storage, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more bars than you can enjoy within that time, don’t worry! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a slightly warmer treat, you can gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes, but be careful not to overheat them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
What are cream cheese lemon bars?
Cream cheese lemon bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, tangy, and creamy lemon filling, often made with cream cheese. They offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them a popular choice for any occasion. Learning how to make cream cheese lemon bars is simpler than you might think!
Why are my lemon bars crumbly?
Crumbly lemon bars are often a result of the crust being over-processed or not pressed firmly enough into the pan. If the crust is too dry, it can also lead to crumbling. Ensure your butter is cold and pulse the crust ingredients until they just start to clump together, then press firmly.
Can I add other flavors to my cream cheese lemon bars?
Absolutely! While the classic lemon flavor is fantastic, you can easily experiment. Adding a bit of lime juice or zest along with the lemon can create a lovely citrus blend. Some people also like to add a hint of raspberry or blueberry puree to the filling for a fruity twist, creating a truly gourmet experience. For more dessert inspiration, consider these nutter butter bars.
How do I get clean cuts on my cream cheese lemon bars?
For perfectly clean slices, it’s crucial to chill the bars thoroughly before cutting. A sharp knife is essential, and I highly recommend wiping the blade with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking to the knife and ensures beautiful, distinct squares.
Variations of Cream Cheese Lemon Bars You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, there are so many fun ways to switch up these delightful bars! For a quicker treat, you can explore making no-bake cream cheese lemon bars, often using a graham cracker crust and a chilled filling. If you’re looking to impress with something truly special, consider adding a layer of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, to the filling for a burst of color and flavor, creating more gourmet cream cheese lemon bars. You could also experiment with a hint of lavender or basil infused into the lemon filling for a unique floral or herbaceous note. For those with dietary needs, gluten-free versions can be made by simply swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend.
Print
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars: 1 Heavenly Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. They feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with fresh lemon juice. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from spring gatherings to everyday treats.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- For the crust, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the partially baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Once chilled, lift bars from the pan using the overhang. Slice into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- The center of the bars should be set but slightly jiggly when removed from the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.
- Add lemon zest to the filling for an intensified citrus flavor.
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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