Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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These bright and tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings!  

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Filling:

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened  
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting:

  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.  
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
    • Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
    • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, until just combined.
    • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Assemble and Bake:
    • Pour the cream cheese filling over the partially baked crust.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still jiggle slightly.
    • Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to firm up.
  4. Finish and Serve:
    • Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
    • Cut into squares or rectangles.
    • Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
    • Serve and Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overbake the filling, as it will continue to set as it cools.
  • Chilling the bars fully makes them much easier to cut into nice clean bars.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!

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