These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust, a creamy and tangy lemon-infused cream cheese filling, and often a sweet and slightly crumbly topping. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a variety of textures, making them a popular treat for gatherings or a satisfying indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the filling is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Topping (Optional): While the crust is baking or cooling, prepare the topping if desired. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the partially baked crust. If using the topping, sprinkle it evenly over the filling.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. If using the crumb topping, it should also be lightly golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon cream cheese bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for the filling to set properly.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For firmer bars, you can chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled and chilled (if desired), cut the lemon cream cheese bars into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Tips and Notes:
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest will provide the best and brightest lemon flavor.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the filling dry or cracked. The center should be just set.
- Crumb Topping Variations: You can add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover lemon cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Enjoy these tangy and delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!