Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking these lemon cream cheese bars! There’s just something magical about the combination of a buttery crust and that creamy, tangy filling. Every time I make them, my kitchen fills with this incredible citrus aroma that instantly lifts my spirits. I love how easy they are to whip up, yet they look so elegant when you serve them. Trust me, the first bite is pure bliss; the smooth cream cheese perfectly complements the zesty lemon, making it a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy gathering, these bars are a hit every single time. You’re going to love making—and eating—these little slices of sunshine!
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful lemon cream cheese bars! I promise, with these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious treat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (don’t skip this; it adds so much brightness!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Having everything measured out and ready will make the process so much smoother. I like to set everything on the counter before I start, so I can enjoy the fun of baking without any last-minute dashes for ingredients. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delicious lemon cream cheese bars! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be enjoying a heavenly treat in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your crust bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix everything together until it’s crumbly—almost like wet sand. Once it’s ready, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s even, as this will be the base for your luscious filling!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop that crust into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. You’ll know it’s perfect when you can smell that buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen. Yum!
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up the cream cheese filling! In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined—this filling is going to be so creamy and dreamy!
Step 5: Combine and Bake Again
Once your crust is ready, pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over it. Spread it out evenly and pop it back in the oven for an additional 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s set when it’s no longer jiggly in the center. Just wait until you see that beautiful golden hue on top!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the bars cool completely in the dish. This step is crucial because cutting them too soon can make a mess! Once they’re cool, slice them into bars, and don’t forget to dust with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Tips for Success with Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
To ensure your lemon cream cheese bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that dreamy texture we love. Also, don’t skip the step of preheating your oven; it’s key to achieving that gorgeous crust.
Another little trick: keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. The bars should be set in the center and just slightly golden on top. Lastly, let them cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting, but this patience pays off for clean cuts and the best flavor. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each lemon cream cheese bar, based on typical values. Keep in mind that these can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
These lemon cream cheese bars are a delightful treat, and knowing their nutritional content can help you enjoy them even more. They’re perfect for satisfying that sweet craving while still feeling a bit indulgent. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Got questions about these delicious lemon cream cheese bars? I’ve got answers! Let’s dive into some common queries I often hear.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone. Both will give you a slightly different flavor and texture, but they’ll still create that creamy deliciousness we all love. Just make sure they’re softened to blend well!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing these bars is super easy! Just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll last for up to a week. If you’re like me, you might want to hide a few in the back for those late-night cravings. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for a bit before indulging!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Of course! If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a 1:1 blend for best results, and you’ll still get those yummy lemon cream cheese bars everyone adores!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these lemon cream cheese bars! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Quick Prep: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. Perfect for those busy days when you still want something sweet!
- Delicious Flavor: The tangy lemon paired with smooth cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s refreshing and indulgent all at once. Trust me, your taste buds will dance!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are always a hit. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received!
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and forgiving. It’s hard to mess up something this delicious!
- Versatile: These bars are perfect on their own, but you can dress them up with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
- Make Ahead: They store beautifully in the fridge, so you can make them in advance and have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving hits!
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these delightful lemon cream cheese bars. You won’t regret it!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
To elevate your enjoyment of these delightful lemon cream cheese bars, consider pairing them with a warm cup of tea or a strong coffee. The citrus notes beautifully complement the richness of your drink! For a refreshing twist, serve them alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries; their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy bars. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a luscious touch. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious lemon cream cheese bars with a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
- 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: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars
