Description
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. With a buttery shortbread crust and a creamy lemon filling, these bars are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Ideal for any gathering—be it a picnic, potluck, or cozy night in—these bars will uplift your spirits with their vibrant citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until set.
- Cool at room temperature for 20 minutes before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (overnight is best). Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg