Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dessert that screams sunshine, these lemon cream cheese bars are it! With their creamy filling and zesty lemon flavor, they’re like a little slice of summer on a plate. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the moment I took them out of the oven, the entire house filled with that bright, citrusy aroma. Trust me, there’s nothing better than the combination of rich cream cheese and fresh lemon juice. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. You’re going to love how refreshing and delightful they are!
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful lemon cream cheese bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (it should be nice and creamy!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (the fresher, the better!)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (don’t skip this – it adds amazing flavor!)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
(Make sure to let your butter and cream cheese sit out for a bit before you start; it really helps with mixing everything together smoothly!)
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making these lemon cream cheese bars! I promise it’s super simple, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Mix them together until the mixture looks crumbly. I love using my hands for this part; it feels so satisfying!
- Next, press that crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s even so it bakes nicely.
- Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want it to be just lightly golden.
- While that’s baking, let’s whip up the creamy filling! In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens!
- Then, add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Once your crust is done baking, pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the top. It’ll look so good!
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes. You know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Finally, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. I know it’s tough to wait, but it’s worth it!
And voilà! You’ve made the most delightful lemon cream cheese bars that are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for busy days!
- Delicious balance of creaminess and zesty lemon flavor that’s oh-so-refreshing.
- Great for gatherings – they disappear fast at parties!
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them versatile.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Perfectly portioned bars that are easy to cut and share.
- They bring a ray of sunshine to any dessert table!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon cream cheese bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh lemon juice and zest; it makes a world of difference in flavor! I recommend letting your cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing—this helps it blend smoothly. When baking, keep an eye on the edges; they should be set while the center remains just a tad jiggly. This ensures a creamy texture! Also, be patient when cooling—let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting to avoid any messy edges. If you want a clean cut, try using a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 bar):
Calories: 200, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 24g, Sugar: 12g, Protein: 3g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 150mg, Fiber: 1g. Enjoy these delicious bars, but keep in mind they’re a treat!
FAQ About Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Got questions about these delightful lemon cream cheese bars? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is key for that rich and creamy texture, you could experiment with mascarpone for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that it might change the overall taste and texture a bit!
How do I store leftovers?
Great question! You can store any leftover lemon cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re also delicious chilled, so no need to worry about them losing their flavor!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These lemon cream cheese bars are perfect for making a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, and then cover them tightly before refrigerating. You’ll have a refreshing dessert ready to go whenever you need it!
Can I freeze lemon cream cheese bars?
Yes, you can! Just slice them up, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. They’ll still taste amazing!
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
I love serving lemon cream cheese bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with fresh berries or a cup of tea for the ultimate treat!
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cream cheese bars are so versatile, and I love serving them in a few different ways! For a delightful twist, try pairing them with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries; the sweetness complements the zesty lemon perfectly. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of creaminess, too! They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a relaxing cup of tea. Enjoy these bars as a refreshing treat any time of day!
Imprimer
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: 7 Ways to Brighten Your Day
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 16 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
These lemon cream cheese bars are a refreshing dessert with a creamy filling and a zesty lemon flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and granulated sugar until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 40 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: lemon cream cheese bars, dessert, lemon bars
