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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheating: Configure the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal baking atmosphere for the delicate dessert.
- Pan Preparation: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray, ensuring effortless bar removal after baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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