Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: lemon cream cheese bars! These little gems are a burst of sunshine, with their tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them for a summer picnic; I was practically vibrating with excitement as I pulled them out of the oven. The whole kitchen smelled like a lemon grove! Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for sharing, but honestly, I often find myself keeping them all to myself. Who can resist that zesty goodness?
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base for our crust, giving it that delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten the crust without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – It adds richness and helps create that perfect, crumbly crust.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is the star of our filling, making it creamy and luscious.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – It sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps achieve that smooth consistency.
- 2 large eggs – They bind everything together and give the filling its lovely structure.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Essential for that zesty, tangy flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
- 1 tsp lemon zest – Adds an extra punch of lemony goodness. Fresh is best!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – It complements the lemon flavor beautifully, rounding out the taste.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – Just a hint to help the filling rise and set perfectly.
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure even baking. You don’t want to rush this step, trust me!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. I like to use my hands here because it makes mixing so much easier! You want to mix until it looks crumbly, kind of like wet sand. Once you’ve got that texture, it’s time to press the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s even – this is your base, so it needs to be just right!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want it to get too dark!
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese filling! In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a lovely creamy mixture.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Once your crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula for a nice finish. Pop it back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’re gonna love the smell wafting through your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let me just say that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ll give you typical values, they might not be spot on for every batch you make. On average, each lemon cream cheese bar contains:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
So, if you’re counting calories or just curious about what’s in your treats, this should help guide you! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Deliciously tangy flavor that’s incredibly refreshing.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it great for all diets.
- Perfectly creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crust.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying all on your own!
Tips for Success
To make your lemon cream cheese bars truly shine, always use fresh lemons for the juiciest flavor—trust me, the difference is huge! When zesting, make sure you’re only taking the yellow part of the peel; the white pith can be bitter. If you have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’ll actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together! And if you want to impress, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is a lovely touch. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can absolutely use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe! Just keep in mind that it might not be quite as rich and creamy as the regular kind, but it will still taste delicious. The texture may be a tad different, but don’t worry, your lemon cream cheese bars will still shine!
How can I store leftover lemon cream cheese bars?
To keep your lemon cream cheese bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about a week, but trust me, they’re so tasty that they probably won’t last that long! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them to avoid sticking.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy these bars later. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They’ll taste just as delightful as when you first made them!
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cream cheese bars are absolutely delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect creamy contrast. A side of fresh berries adds a pop of color and extra freshness, making every bite a little more special. Enjoy your zesty treats with a cup of herbal tea or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing pairing!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: 5 Steps to Perfect Zesty Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious lemon cream cheese bars with a tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator.
- Can be dusted with extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars, lemon dessert, cream cheese dessert
