These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake on a buttery crust. Perfect for a light dessert or a refreshing treat, these bars are easy to make and bursting with bright lemon flavor!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Layer:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set aside.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth it out evenly.
- Prepare the Lemon Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fully incorporated. Gently pour the lemon layer over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
Enjoy these zesty, creamy bars with a cup of tea or as a bright dessert!