Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These lemon cream cheese bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in a creamy dessert that is easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
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 8x8-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.
Notes
These bars are best served cold from the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and can be kept for up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months.