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Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

These Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining a buttery oat and flour crumb base with a creamy, tangy lemon and cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with sweetened condensed milk and zesty lemon juice, this easy-to-make dessert is baked to golden perfection and chilled for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Crust and Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup oats

Filling

  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8×8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly mixed. This will form the base structure of your crumb mixture.
  3. Make Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture in batches, mixing until just incorporated to form a crumbly dough.
  4. Divide and Incorporate Oats: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for the crust. Add the oats to the remaining half of the crumb mixture in the bowl, mixing thoroughly to combine for the topping.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest using the hand mixer until you achieve a creamy, smooth filling without lumps.
  6. Assemble Lemon Bars: Spread the creamy lemon filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the oat crumb mixture evenly over the top to form the topping layer.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set around the edges.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator to firm up. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, chill lemon bars thoroughly before cutting.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most tangy flavor.
  • Storage: Keep leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Softened butter and cream cheese will blend more smoothly into the mixtures.
  • You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/lemon-bars-with-cream-cheese-recipe/