Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Saturday afternoon, sunshine streaming through the windows, and the irresistible aroma of lemony goodness wafting from the kitchen. Let me tell you about the lemon cream cheese bars that are about to become your new favorite treat—tangy, creamy, and just a bit nostalgic. Here’s how I transformed a few basic ingredients into little squares of happiness. 🍋✨

I adore making lively desserts, and my bars of lemon cream cheese are a real treat that elicits raves. The creamy filling melds softened cream cheese and eggs with a fresh eruption of lemon juice and zest.

Paired with a rich, buttery crust, these bars make a perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; source of carbohydrates.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness; enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens; creates a smooth texture in crust.
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess; provides some protein and fat.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens; balances lemon tartness.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tart, refreshing flavor; source of vitamin C.
• Lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor; adds aromatic oils.
• Baking powder: Leavening agent; adds lightness to bars.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

1. Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), and an 8×8-inch baking pan should either be greased or lined with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, the butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Blend until they are well mixed and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, shaping it into a crust.

4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until just lightly golden. Take it out of the oven and set it aside to cool for a short time.

5. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and the granulated sugar and beat until fluffy and creamy.

6. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.

7. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

8. The cream cheese mixture should be poured over the crust that has been baked previously and spread evenly.

9. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a lightly floured board to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Fold the dough in half and then in half again. Place the folded dough into an 8-inch round cake pan, base down. Gently unfold the dough and drape it into the pan.

10. Let the bars of lemon cream cheese cool in the baking dish before dusting them with even more powdered sugar. Cut into bars, and serve.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Electric mixer or whisk
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Rolling pin
11. Flour board or flat surface for rolling
12. 8-inch round cake pan
13. Knife for cutting bars

FAQ

• Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but decrease the salt in the recipe to a pinch so the bars don’t end up tasting too salty.
• Q: Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative?A: Yes, a sugar substitute can be used, but it might slightly change the texture and flavor. Make sure it’s a good one for baking.
• Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?A: When the edges of the bars are golden brown and the middle is set yet still a bit jiggly, it means the bars are done. They continue to firm up as they cool.
• Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?A: Yes, they can be made a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
• Q: What is the best way to soften cream cheese?A: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about an hour, or heat it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until it is soft. It should not be melted.
• Q: Can I add other flavors to the lemon bars?A: Yes, you can create a layer of fruit preserves atop the crust or stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Substitute with 1/2 cup coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Substitute with 8 oz of mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor or use a vegan cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
1 cup granulated sugar: Substitute with 1 cup of coconut sugar or with 3/4 cup of honey, making any necessary adjustments to the liquid ingredients.
1/4 cup lemon juice. Substitute with 1/4 cup lime juice if you want a different citrus note.

Pro Tips

1. Pan Preparation Instead of just greasing the pan, consider lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift out the bars once they’re baked and cooled.

2. Crust Consistency When mixing the flour, butter, and powdered sugar for the crust, ensure that the butter is well integrated and the mixture holds together when pinched. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water to help it bind.

3. Cream Cheese Texture Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. This will help achieve a smoother, creamier texture without lumps.

4. Lemon Flavor Enhancement For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Freshly grated zest offers the best aroma and taste.

5. Cooling Time After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Chilling them for at least a couple of hours will help them set properly, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavor.