Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, combining a creamy filling with a zesty lemon flavor. These bars are perfect for those who love a sweet and tart treat that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, they’re sure to impress everyone with their bright taste and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cups cold butter cut into small cubes or grated
Filling
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cups freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp tablespoon lemon zest from about 2 lemons
- 1 tsp teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of cold butter (cut into small cubes or grated) 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 an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat 8 oz of softened full-fat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
Bake the Bars
- Pour the creamy filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Turn off the oven and let the bars cool inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Serve
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
For best results, use fresh lemons for juice and zest. Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent cracks. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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