Description
These Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon filling. The bars are chilled until set, making them perfectly refreshing and ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus more for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the chilled cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or your hands in a large bowl to achieve the same consistency.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 2 cups granulated sugar together until smooth. Add ¼ cup flour, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the partially baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve: Using the foil or parchment overhang, lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Cut into 20 squares, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is chilled to create a tender crust.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for bright, natural flavor.
- If you do not have a food processor, you can use a pastry cutter or mix by hand.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Allow bars to chill thoroughly to achieve clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
