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