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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