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