Lemon Cream Cheese Bars 🧀 – Tangy, Creamy & Irresistible!

Welcome to Lemon Bliss!

Are you craving a dessert that’s both bright and decadent, a perfect balance of sweet and tart? If you’re searching for a reliable and incredibly delicious recipe for lemon cream cheese bars, you’ve landed in the right spot! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the delightful world of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, a treat that has a magical way of brightening any occasion. These bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Imagine biting into a perfectly crumbly shortbread crust, topped with a silky, tangy lemon custard that melts in your mouth, all enhanced by the luxurious creaminess of cream cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply need a little sunshine on a cloudy day, these lemon bars are guaranteed to be a showstopper. If you adore citrus-infused desserts and crave that irresistible combination of zest and cream, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Get ready to experience pure citrus ecstasy!

Ingredients for Lemony Perfection

Crafting these exquisite Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is a joyful journey, and the magic lies in the quality and harmony of the ingredients. We’ve selected each component to ensure a divine balance of textures and tastes. Here’s what you’ll need to create this citrus masterpiece:

For the Shortbread Base

• 1 ½ cups (190g) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bar, providing a tender yet sturdy base. In a pinch, you can use cake flour for an even more delicate texture, but all-purpose is perfect.
• ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the crust and give it that signature crispness.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
• ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed: This is crucial for a flaky, tender shortbread. Ensure it’s cold for the best texture. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt to ⅛ teaspoon.

For the Tangy Lemon Filling

• 2 large (about 100g) Eggs: These act as binders and give the filling its rich, custardy texture. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
• 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the vibrant lemon flavor and aid in setting the filling.
• ⅓ cup (45g) All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickener, creating that luscious, set texture we all love. Cake flour can also be used here for a smoother finish.
• ½ cup (120ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: The star of the show! This brings the signature bright, zesty tang. Use freshly squeezed for the most vibrant flavor – bottled juice won’t deliver the same punch. Limes can be a fun substitute for a lime cream cheese bar!
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest: For an intensified burst of pure lemon aroma and flavor. Don’t zest past the yellow, as the white pith is bitter.
• 4 oz (113g) Cream Cheese, softened: This is the secret to the “cream cheese bar” magic! It adds a subtle richness and a delightful tang that complements the lemon beautifully. Make sure it’s truly softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.

Optional Topping

• Powdered Sugar: For a light dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: For the base, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. For the filling, ensure your chosen flour is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter substitutes and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture might vary slightly.
• Citrus Variety: Feel free to experiment with lime, orange, or a mix of citrus for a different flavor profile.

Timing Your Baking Adventure

The journey to these delectable Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is delightfully efficient. While the chilling time is essential for the perfect texture, the active preparation is quite swift.

Compared to many elaborate desserts, these lemon bars are remarkably quick to assemble. The average bake time for similar bar recipes is around 30-40 minutes, and our 30-35 minute bake time (plus essential chilling) makes them ideal for when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without a huge time commitment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring these sunshine-filled bars to life! Follow these simple steps for a truly irresistible treat.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake right from the start. Then, prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. You can either lightly grease it or, for the easiest removal, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will act as handles to lift the baked bars out of the pan later.

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter. This texture is key to a tender shortbread. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, forming a compact crust. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Lemony Filling

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step to avoid lumps in your filling! Then, beat in the 1 cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Finally, gently fold in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. The mixture should be smooth, vibrant yellow, and wonderfully fragrant. Taste a tiny bit if you dare – it’s already delicious!

Step 4: Pour and Bake the Bars

Pour the luscious lemon filling evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread base. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but might still have a slight wobble in the center – this is perfectly normal and it will continue to set as it cools. Avoid overbaking, which can make the bars tough.

Step 5: Chill and Slice to Perfection

This is perhaps the most important step for achieving clean slices and the perfect texture. Let the baked bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours (or even overnight). This chilling period allows the filling to fully set. Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into your desired bar shapes. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean between each slice.

Nutritional Snapshot

While individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offers a delightful balance. Each bar (assuming 16 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Sugar: 20-25g
• Protein: 3-4g

Please note: This is an estimation. For precise nutritional data, you would need to calculate based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives

Indulging in these delightful bars doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your wellness goals entirely. Here are a few thoughtful swaps to make them a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor:

• For the Crust: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber, or consider a base made from crushed almonds or oats for a nutty crunch and healthier fats.
• Sweeteners: Reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter in both the crust and the filling. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (adjusting liquid amounts accordingly) or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for a lower-sugar option.
• Fat Content: Use light cream cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese. Some brands offer very good dairy-free cream cheese alternatives that can also be lighter.
• Portion Control: The simplest, yet most effective, way to enjoy these bars healthily is by cutting them into smaller, more manageable portions.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A simple, elegant finish that enhances their visual appeal.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. Their vibrant colors and fresh sweetness offer a lovely contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Mint Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
• Tea or Coffee: These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of afternoon tea or a freshly brewed coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes, a few common pitfalls can affect the outcome. Here’s how to ensure your bars are perfect:

• Overmixing the Crust: Overworking the shortbread dough can make the crust tough instead of tender and crumbly. Stop mixing as soon as it comes together.
• Not Using Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor. Invest in fresh lemons!
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Lumpy cream cheese in the filling is a textural nightmare. Ensure it’s at room temperature and creamed until smooth.
• Not Chilling Enough: Patience is key! Skipping or shortening the chilling time will result in soft, messy bars that fall apart when sliced.
• Overbaking the Filling: A slight wobble in the center is good! Overbaking can cause the filling to crack or become rubbery.

Storing Your Lemon Bars

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and texture of your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

A Slice of Sunshine

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of sunshine on a plate. The perfect harmony of a buttery, crumbly crust and a vibrantly tangy, creamy lemon filling makes them utterly irresistible. They are simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for any special occasion. We hope you adore making and devouring them as much as we do!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these lemon cream cheese bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended. The bars need to chill for at least 2 hours to set properly, so making them a day in advance is ideal for the best texture and cleanest slices.

Why are my lemon bars cracking?

Cracking usually occurs from overbaking, or if the oven temperature was too high. They can also crack if they cool too quickly. Make sure to bake just until the center is set with a slight wobble, and allow them to cool gradually.

Can I use Meyer lemons?

Yes, Meyer lemons can be used! They are sweeter and less tart than regular lemons, so you might want to increase the amount of lemon juice or zest slightly to achieve a more pronounced lemony flavor. They also have a wonderful floral aroma.

How do I get clean cuts on my bars?

For the cleanest cuts, ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled. Use a large, sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth after each cut. A bench scraper can also be very helpful.

Can I freeze these lemon cream cheese bars?

Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe – Tangy & Creamy Dessert

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe forLemon Cream Cheese Bars, a perfect treat that blends the zesty tang of lemons with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a crowd-pleasing sweet, theselemon barswill hit the spot. If you love citrus-based desserts, thisLemon Cream Cheese Barsrecipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

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Ingredients

• Substitutions:

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Instructions

1. Step 1:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2:Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
3. Step 3:In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and the juice from one lemon until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the crescent dough in the baking dish.
4. Step 4:Zest one lemon and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Step 5:Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
6. Step 6:In a small bowl, combine the remaining lemon zest with a bit of sugar and sprinkle over the top layer of dough. This gives the bars a nice, crunchy topping.
7. Step 7:Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
8. Tip:For an even more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture.

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Notes

Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars a bright, authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can be too acidic and lacking in flavor.
Chill before serving: For clean, easy-to-cut squares, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after cooling.
Try a crumb topping: If you want to add some texture, consider adding a streusel or crumb topping made from oats, sugar, and butter.