Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a tangy, creamy dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zest. Here’s an easy recipe to make these delightful bars!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Lemon zest (for extra garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

2. Make the Crust:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
   • Add the softened butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and forms a dough.
   • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

3. Bake the Crust:

   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

4. Make the Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and flour until everything is fully combined and smooth.

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

6. Cool and Chill:

   • Let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

7. Serve:

   • Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra lemon zest, if desired.
   • Slice into bars and serve!

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet, tangy lemon dessert. They have a smooth, creamy filling with a crisp buttery crust, making them a refreshing and irresistible choice! Enjoy!