Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese in a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. These bars offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with a smooth, velvety filling set on a buttery graham cracker crust. The bright citrus notes elevate the flavor, making these bars an ideal treat for spring and summer gatherings, or any occasion when you crave something both tangy and creamy.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that will impress family and friends alike. This guide walks you through each step of the process, offers helpful tips, and includes ideas for fun variations to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Refreshing Flavor: The tartness of fresh lemon combined with the creaminess of the cream cheese creates a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Smooth and Creamy Texture: The filling of these bars is velvety smooth with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese and lemon, while the graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch.
• Beautifully Layered: With the contrasting layers of buttery crust and creamy filling, these bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for dessert tables or gift giving.
• Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars come together with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. No special equipment or techniques are needed.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these bars are versatile and perfect for any event.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 16 bars
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per bar, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 24-28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18-22g

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Lemon slices or zest, for garnish

Special Equipment

While making Lemon Cream Cheese Bars doesn’t require any specialized equipment, a few tools will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. 9×9 or 8×8-inch Baking Pan: A square baking pan works best for these bars. You can also use a slightly larger pan (like a 9×13-inch), but be sure to adjust the cooking time if you do so.
2. Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer (stand or hand-held) will make it much easier to blend the cream cheese filling into a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for getting the correct flavor and texture in both the crust and the filling.
4. Mixing Bowls: Large mixing bowls are needed for preparing the crust and the cream cheese filling separately. Glass or stainless steel bowls work well for this.
5. Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula helps scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Zester or Grater: To get fresh lemon zest, a zester or fine grater is helpful. Zesting the lemon yourself gives the bars a bright, fresh citrus flavor.
7. Cooling Rack: Once the bars are baked, a cooling rack allows them to cool evenly and completely, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch) square baking pan with cooking spray or butter, and then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they’re done. This ensures you can easily lift the bars out of the pan after they cool and cut them into neat squares.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated, and the mixture begins to hold together when pressed.

Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a glass to firmly press the crumbs into place. This creates a sturdy base for the creamy filling.

3. Bake the Crust

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and firm. This step sets the crust, so it will hold up nicely when you add the filling. Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is smooth and well-combined.

5. Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once the cream cheese filling is ready, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the filling evenly over the crust, making sure it covers the entire surface.

6. Bake the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Place the pan back into the oven and bake the bars for 45-50 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. You can check for doneness by gently tapping the sides of the pan or inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins to brown too much before the center sets, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

7. Cool the Bars

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to room temperature, which will take about 1 hour.

8. Chill the Bars

After the bars have cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour, or until they are thoroughly chilled. Chilling the bars helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into clean, neat squares.

9. Serve and Garnish

Once chilled, remove the bars from the refrigerator and dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. If desired, you can also garnish with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices for added flavor and visual appeal. Cut the bars into squares and serve!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This ensures that the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, so remove them from the oven when the center is just slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools and chills.
• Fresh Lemons for Best Flavor: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t offer the same bright, fresh taste.
• Cut Neat Squares: When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat, uniform squares.
• Allow Time to Chill: While it’s tempting to dive into these delicious bars right away, be sure to allow them time to chill. This helps them set, making them easier to cut and giving the flavors time to meld.

Variations of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the cream cheese filling before baking. The blueberries add a burst of sweetness and color to these tangy bars.
• Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Swirl in a few tablespoons of strawberry puree into the filling before baking for a fruity twist. You can also top the bars with fresh strawberry slices for garnish.
• Key Lime Cream Cheese Bars: Swap the lemon juice and zest for fresh lime juice and zest to make Key Lime Cream Cheese Bars. The tart lime flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
• Coconut Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the crust or the filling for a tropical twist. Coconut and lemon are a great flavor combination.

Storage and Shelf Life

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Store the chilled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars.

To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen bars can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place the bars in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Pair these delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with complementary treats to enhance your dessert experience:

• Tea or Lemonade: A cold glass of fresh lemonade or a warm cup of tea makes a perfect drink pairing with these bars.
• Fresh Fruit: A fresh fruit salad, particularly with berries or citrus fruits, pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese bars.
• Light Snack or Appetizer: Serve these bars after a light meal of fresh salad, grilled chicken, or a seafood dish for a refreshing and satisfying end to the meal.

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Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful combination of bright citrus flavor and creamy richness that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth, tangy filling, and a simple preparation process, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a spring gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.