The Zesty Home Baker’s Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Decadent bars with a zesty lemon cream cheese twist will make your taste buds dance.

These creamy, sweet treats blend smooth cream cheese with bright citrus notes.

The classic dessert combines simple ingredients in an extraordinary way.

Rich, velvety layers melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.

Tangy lemon cream cheese bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

You’ll love how easily this dessert comes together in your kitchen.

One slice promises pure, lemony bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools for Making Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• 9×13-inch baking pan: essential for creating the perfect bar base and ensuring even baking.
• Parchment paper: helps with easy bar removal and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowls: needed for preparing crust and cream cheese filling separately.
• Electric mixer: crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Whisk: useful for blending ingredients and removing lumps.
• Rubber spatula: helps scrape down sides of bowls and fold ingredients gently.
• Cooling rack: allows bars to cool evenly after baking.

Making Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Full Directions

• Prepare Your Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F and get your baking pan ready with a light spray or parchment paper lining.

• Create the Crumbly Crust

Mix together the flour, sugar, and butter until they form delightful, sandy-like crumbs that stick together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth and silky. Make sure to beat everything until it’s completely free of lumps for that perfect, velvety texture.

• Pour and Spread

Gently pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure every corner gets covered.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to turn golden and the center looks just set but still slightly jiggly.

• Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. For the best texture, pop it in the refrigerator for a few hours to firm up before cutting into delectable squares.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice into beautiful bars and serve chilled. These tangy, creamy treats are perfect for any occasion and sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Top Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, crisp base that won't crumble when serving.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, letting the flavors meld and intensify overnight.
• Swap traditional graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Replace some sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, diabetes-friendly dessert that still delivers amazing lemon tang.

Fun Ways to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Citrus Morning Delight: Pair these tangy bars with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a refreshing breakfast experience.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon zest curls for a sophisticated presentation that impresses guests.
• Cool Companion Treat: Serve chilled alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the bars' rich, creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Create a dessert spread featuring these bars as the centerpiece, complemented by fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful weekend gathering.

Meal Prep & Storing Your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Prepare the bars up to 3 days before serving, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can be frozen for up to 4 weeks, perfect for quick dessert emergencies.
• Cut bars only when completely cooled to ensure clean, neat edges and prevent crumbling. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for picture-perfect presentation.
• Enjoy these bars slightly chilled from the refrigerator for the most refreshing taste, or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer, creamier texture that melts in your mouth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 17

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Essential Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, crisp foundation that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together and adds rich, golden flavor when melted.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the cracker base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base that gives these bars their signature creamy texture.
• Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and adds delightful sweetness.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a silky, stable custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness and add vibrant flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a light, elegant dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

FAQs

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

While you technically can, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness for these bars. Low-fat versions might result in a less creamy and slightly watery consistency.

• How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

The edges should be lightly golden and the center should look set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No special equipment is required. A standard 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, and basic measuring tools are all you’ll need to create these delicious lemon cream cheese bars.

• How do I prevent my bars from cracking while baking?

To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at the recommended temperature, and let the bars cool gradually at room temperature after baking. A water bath method can also help create a more even baking environment.

Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy lemon cream cheese bars blend tangy citrus with smooth cream cheese in a delightful dessert. Mediterranean flavors shine through with a buttery graham cracker crust and zesty lemon filling that satisfies sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon zest
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• Powdered sugar (for optional dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Configure the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal baking atmosphere for the delicate dessert.
2. Pan Preparation: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray, ensuring effortless bar removal after baking.
3. Crust Formation: Blend the dry ingredients until they transform into a uniform, sandy-textured mixture, then firmly compress into the prepared pan, creating a solid, compact foundation.
4. Filling Creation: Utilize an electric mixer to whip the cream cheese mixture until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency, eliminating any potential lumps and ensuring a silky texture.
5. Assembly and Baking: Carefully distribute the cream cheese filling over the crust, using a spatula to guarantee even coverage, then transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and the center develops a subtle firmness.
6. Cooling and Setting: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to enhance structural integrity and amplify the vibrant lemon essence.
7. Finishing Touch: Slice into precise, uniform squares with a clean knife, optionally garnishing with delicate lemon zest or a subtle powdered sugar dusting to elevate the visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Ensure the crust mixture is well-pressed and compact to create a stable base that won’t fall apart when cutting or serving.
• Smooth Out Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese and mix thoroughly to eliminate lumps, guaranteeing a silky-smooth filling with no unwanted texture.
• Master the Baking Time: Watch for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center – this indicates the perfect doneness without overbaking, which can lead to dry or cracked bars.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the bars to set completely, intensifying the tangy lemon flavor and creating a firm, sliceable texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg