Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy taste of fresh lemons with the creamy texture of cream cheese. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the bright and refreshing flavor of lemons. They are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are also perfect for warm weather, providing a light and tasty dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient option for busy days.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup fresh juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until everything is combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars cold, straight from the refrigerator. They are delicious on their own but can also be topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries for added flavor and decoration. These bars are great for gatherings, parties, or even a sweet treat after dinner.
How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
To store Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they will last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother texture.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor, and don’t skip the zest—it adds a nice aroma.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to get clean edges.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a bit more sugar to the filling.
Variation
You can substitute the lemon with lime for a different citrus flavor, or try adding a layer of lemon curd on top before serving for an extra burst of lemon goodness.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture might be slightly different.
2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour instead of regular graham cracker crumbs.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the filling
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each, softened to room temperature)
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cups fresh lemon juice (zest and juice of 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until everything is combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
Making the filling
- In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
Baking
- Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries before serving.
