The Best Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe: Sweet-Tart Bliss

Sweet summer memories often begin with a delightful cream cheese lemon bars surprise that catches you off guard.

Zesty citrus notes dance across a buttery crust, creating pure magic in every bite.

Sunshine-bright flavors burst through a silky smooth filling that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Creamy textures blend with sharp lemon undertones, promising a dessert that feels both comforting and exciting.

Each square delivers a refreshing punch of tangy sweetness that makes taste buds sing with joy.

Elegant yet simple, these bars represent the kind of treat that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something spectacular.

Quickly grab a fork and let the culinary adventure begin!

Ingredients Needed For Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

• Flour: The foundation of the buttery crust that provides structure and crispness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the creamy filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture in the crust and adds depth of flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a smooth, tangy base for the lemon bar filling with a luxurious creamy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and help create a silky, stable consistency.

• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, subtle background note that complements the lemon and cream cheese.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate sweet topping and helps sweeten the filling with a smooth texture.

How To Make Tangy Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse sandy crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a light golden color around the edges, which signals the crust is perfectly par-baked.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add a touch of flour and mix thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain.

Step 5: Incorporate Citrusy Brightness

Slowly blend in fresh lemon juice.

• Powdered sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and beautifully combined.

Step 6: Bake the Complete Bars

Pour the lemony cream cheese mixture over the warm crust.

Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Just before serving, dust the top with a light snowfall of powdered sugar.

Slice into squares and enjoy the tangy, creamy delight!

Tips For The Creamiest Lemon Bar Squares

• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish to create a stable, compact base that won't crumble when cutting the bars.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrusy brightness and more intense lemon flavor.
• The filling should look slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges when properly baked – avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to help them set completely and make cutting clean, precise squares easier.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Variations For Lemon Bar Desserts

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
• Lime Cream Cheese Bars: Substitute lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a tangy tropical flavor profile.
• Raspberry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of raspberry puree or fresh raspberries on top of the filling for a fruity burst of color and taste.

Serving Cream Cheese Lemon Bars With Flair

• Fresh Lemon Zest Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the bars for an extra burst of citrusy brightness and a beautiful decorative touch.
• Creamy Whipped Cream Companion: Serve a dollop of homemade whipped cream alongside each bar to add a light, airy contrast to the rich cream cheese base.
• Berry Bliss Pairing: Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries to create a colorful, tangy complement that enhances the lemon's vibrant flavor profile.
• Afternoon Tea Presentation: Cut into elegant bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter for a sophisticated dessert perfect during tea time or brunch gatherings.

Storing Lemon Bars For Ultimate Freshness

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the lemon bars chilled to maintain their creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or flavor.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This prevents condensation and maintains the bar's texture.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream cheese filling from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The filling is done when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It should not look liquid or watery when you gently shake the pan.

• What if my cream cheese is not at room temperature?

Cold cream cheese can create lumps. Soften it by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before mixing, or microwave in short 10-second bursts.

• Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 replacement ratio for best results.

Why Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Brighten Dessert Tables

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: Tangy lemon meets creamy cream cheese, creating a delightful taste explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations, this recipe wins hearts with its irresistible combination of sweet and citrusy notes.
• Super Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dessert accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily cut into squares for convenient serving, making it an ideal treat for parties, picnics, or casual dessert moments.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Tangy cream cheese lemon bars deliver a perfect balance of zesty citrus and creamy richness. Rich, velvety filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promises a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 34 cups (177 milliliters) fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) butter – chilled and cut into small cubes
• 12 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 12 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 14 cup (30 grams) flour
• 13 cup (40 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture develops a crumbly texture.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
4. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue.
5. While the crust bakes, whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
6. Fold in flour, ensuring complete integration into the cream cheese mixture.
7. Gradually introduce lemon juice, creating a tangy liquid base.
8. Incorporate powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending until the filling becomes uniform and velvety.
9. Carefully pour the lemon-infused filling over the freshly baked crust, spreading evenly.
10. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set center with minimal jiggling.
11. Remove and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
12. Dust with a light layer of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the crust for a flakier texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and create a smoother filling.
• Zest the lemons before juicing to intensify the citrus flavor and add extra brightness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg