Sweet & Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe That Dazzles

Sweet and tangy lemon cream cheese bars dance with vibrant flavors that promise pure delight.

Zesty citrus notes blend seamlessly with rich, smooth cream cheese for an irresistible treat.

Creamy textures melt on your tongue, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Each bite carries sunshine-like brightness balanced by delicate sweetness.

Delightful layers of flavor unfold like a culinary story waiting to be savored.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dessert accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll want to slice these bars and share the joy with everyone around the table.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Are Sweet And Tangy

• Burst with Lemony Goodness: Packed with bright, zesty flavors that dance on your taste buds and deliver a refreshing citrus punch.
• Minimal Skill Required: Perfect for bakers of all levels, from novice kitchen adventurers to seasoned dessert creators, with straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Quick and Delightful Treat: Comes together rapidly with simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for casual gatherings, potlucks, family celebrations, or as a sweet afternoon snack that everyone will adore.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides the essential structure and texture for the lemon bars.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender crumb.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, luxurious base for the lemon bars.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes a tangy richness and helps create a dense, creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, light consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, deep background flavor that complements the lemon.
• Lemon Extract: Intensifies the citrus flavor of the bars.
• Fresh Lemon Zest: Provides bright, intense lemon flavor and aromatic oils.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy citrus taste and helps balance the sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates an elegant, sweet dusting on top of the lemon bars.

Steps To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and line your baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for super easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk everything together until it looks smooth and clump-free.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Base

In another large bowl, blend softened butter and cream cheese until they become a silky, dreamy mixture that looks absolutely perfect.

Step 4: Sweeten The Deal

Pour in the granulated sugar gradually, beating the mixture until it transforms into a light, fluffy cloud with an irresistible texture.

Step 5: Egg Magic

Drop in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, well-blended batter.

Step 6: Add Zesty Flavor

• Vanilla extract
• Lemon extract
• Fresh lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Mix until the batter becomes wonderfully fragrant and vibrant.

Step 7: Combine Wet And Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just enough to blend without overworking the batter.

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with just a few crumbs.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about an hour, allowing them to set perfectly.

Step 11: Final Touch

Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a beautiful, elegant finish.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve at room temperature for maximum deliciousness.

Helpful Tips For Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest for more intense citrus notes that will make your lemon bars pop with brightness.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat your flour with a clean kitchen towel before measuring to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust.
• Create Smooth Texture: Allow butter and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free batter.
• Master Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform golden edges and consistent doneness across the entire dessert.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce granulated sugar by 2 tablespoons if you prefer a more tart lemon bar with a sharper citrus punch.

Ways To Tweak Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version with similar texture and taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and cashew cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining rich flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content without compromising lemony brightness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs, utilizing plant-based ingredients to create a cruelty-free dessert that remains moist and delectable.

What To Serve With Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Sparkling Citrus Companion: Pair with a chilled limoncello or prosecco to enhance the lemon's bright, tangy notes and complement the dessert's delicate sweetness.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Serve alongside a fragrant chamomile or lavender tea, which softens the lemon's sharpness and provides a soothing counterbalance to the rich, creamy texture.
• Creamy Contrast Magic: Accompany with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a luxurious contrast that balances the dessert's zingy lemon profile.

Storage Advice For Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Store cooled lemon bars in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual lemon bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep lemon bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with plastic wrap or in a sealed container, ideal for short-term storage without compromising taste.
• Warm refrigerated lemon bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their soft, delicate texture before serving.

FAQs About Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Are these lemon bars difficult to make?

No, they’re quite simple! The recipe follows basic baking steps and requires standard ingredients most home bakers already have in their kitchen.

• Can I substitute lemon with another citrus flavor?

Absolutely! Orange or lime zest and juice work wonderfully as alternatives, creating a similar bright and tangy dessert.

• What makes the texture of these bars so unique?

The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, while the lemon adds a refreshing lightness.

• How do I ensure my bars don't turn out dry?

Mix ingredients just until combined, avoid overmixing the batter, and carefully monitor baking time to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cream cheese bars bring sunshine to dessert tables with creamy, tangy perfection. Rich layers of smooth cream cheese and bright citrus create a delightful treat you can’t resist savoring.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)

Sweeteners:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon extract
• 1 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder, whisking until thoroughly blended and free of lumps.
3. Cream together softened butter and cream cheese in a separate large bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a luxurious base.
4. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the butter mixture, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy with a silky texture.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, ensuring complete integration and a uniform consistency.
6. Fold in vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring until the batter develops a vibrant, fragrant profile.
7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender crumb structure.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
11. Dust the top with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finish.
12. Lift the bars out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Mix dry ingredients the night before to speed up morning baking and reduce morning stress.
• Zest Technique: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum lemon flavor without bitter white pith.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly bars.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, cream cheese, and eggs to sit out 30 minutes before mixing for smoother, more uniform batter.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg