Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making them a dessert that always leaves you wanting just one more bite. With a buttery crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a bright burst of lemon, these bars are as refreshing as they are indulgent. They are easy to make, yet they look and taste like something straight from a bakery.
What makes this recipe so special is how the flavors work together. The lemon brings a fresh citrus zing that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, while the tender crust adds a satisfying texture to every bite. Whether you serve them at a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just as a treat with your afternoon coffee, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are guaranteed to impress. They are the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before the plate is even empty.
Why You Need This Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert that delivers both comfort and freshness in every bite. The creamy filling is rich and smooth, while the lemon adds a lively tang that keeps it from feeling too heavy. This balance makes the bars perfect for anyone who loves a dessert that is sweet but not overly sugary.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. These bars travel well, store beautifully, and are ideal for sharing, making them a go to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself at home. Once you make them, you will find they quickly become a regular request from family and friends.
Ingredients
To help you bake these bars with confidence, here’s a clear and organized ingredients table with calorie counts so you know exactly what goes into this delicious dessert.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz (1 package) | 804 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Lemon juice (fresh) | 1/4 cup | 15 |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 814 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon | 1 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | 2 tablespoons | 62 |
Approximate total calories for the whole recipe: 3,068 calories
Calories per serving (12 servings): ~256 calories
How to Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing or lining a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Spread half of this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then blend in the powdered sugar and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the tangy flavor. Spread this cream cheese mixture gently over the base layer, making sure it covers the surface evenly. Spoon the remaining batter on top, spreading it carefully so it seals in the cream cheese layer. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles. For a finishing touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips
For the smoothest and creamiest filling, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before you begin mixing. Cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the batter and make spreading more difficult. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will give you the brightest, most vibrant flavor, so avoid bottled juice if possible. When zesting the lemon, only remove the yellow outer layer, as the white pith underneath can add bitterness.
To get clean and neat slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. If you want an even stronger lemon flavor, you can add a little extra zest to the cream cheese layer or sprinkle some over the top after baking. Storing the bars in the refrigerator will help them hold their shape and keep the flavors fresh, but for the best texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their bright and creamy flavor. For a simple yet elegant touch, serve them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze to intensify the citrus notes. Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries make a colorful and refreshing addition, balancing the richness of the cream cheese with their natural sweetness.
If you want to turn these bars into a more indulgent dessert, pair them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts can also add texture and a hint of extra flavor. Whether you keep the presentation minimal or dress them up for a special occasion, these bars have the versatility to shine in any setting.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a dessert that combines creamy richness with a burst of fresh citrus flavor, creating a treat that is both comforting and refreshing. The smooth cream cheese layer pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon, while the buttery crust ties everything together in each satisfying bite. They are easy enough to make for a casual afternoon treat yet elegant enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions.
Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit, these bars are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Once you bake a batch, you may find they disappear faster than you expect, and they will quickly become one of those recipes you reach for again and again.
