Of course! Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a fantastic dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake. They’re easier than a full cheesecake but just as satisfying.
Here’s a classic, highly-rated recipe that guarantees a perfect result.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
This recipe features a shortbread crust, a creamy lemon cheesecake layer, and a sweet lemon glaze.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 35-45 minutes Chill time: 2+ hours (highly recommended) Yields: 16 bars
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Ingredients:
For the Crust:
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· ¼ cup granulated sugar
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
· 8 oz (one package) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
· 1 tbsp lemon zest
· 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
· Pinch of salt
For the Glaze (Optional but recommended):
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
· 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for garnish)
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Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
· In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of flour and ¼ cup sugar.
· Add the softened butter and use a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers to mix until the ingredients are fully combined and form a crumbly dough.
· Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
· Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Leave the oven on.
3. Make the Filling:
· While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
· Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just incorporated. Don’t overmix.
· Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and uniform.
4. Bake:
· Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly.
· Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle (it will firm up as it cools).
· Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature (about 1 hour).
5. Chill:
· Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for clean slices and for the flavors to fully develop.
6. Glaze and Serve:
· Make the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice together in a small bowl. Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
· Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
· Drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with additional lemon zest.
· Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean with a hot, damp cloth between each slice.
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Recipe Tips for Success:
· Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are truly at room temperature. This prevents a lumpy filling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
· Fresh Lemon Juice: Do not use bottled lemon juice. Fresh juice provides a much brighter, fresher flavor that is essential for this recipe.
· Don’t Overbake: The filling should still wobble slightly in the center when you take it out. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracking and a denser texture.
· Chill Thoroughly: Patience is a virtue here. Chilling makes the bars firm enough to slice neatly and makes the flavor incredible.
· Variations:
· Lemon Blueberry: Scatter ½ cup of fresh blueberries over the crust before adding the filling.
· Lemon Raspberry: Swirl 2-3 tablespoons of raspberry jam into the filling before baking.
· Coconut Lime: Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon and add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the crust or filling.
Enjoy these incredibly creamy, tangy, and sweet bars! They are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you need a burst of citrus sunshine.