Easy and Delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

If you haven’t tried lemon cream cheese bars yet, you’re missing out on a dessert that’s tangy, creamy, and irresistibly sweet all at once. With a buttery crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, and a zesty lemon finish, these bars strike the perfect balance that will leave your taste buds craving more. Keep reading to discover how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or grater
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This helps to lift the bars out cleanly later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt together. Use a fork or your hands — this step may get a little messy, but it is worth it. You want a soft, crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
3. Step 3: Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. I like to use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press it evenly. This helps ensure the crust is uniform and bakes up nice and crisp.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Be sure there are no lumps.
6. Step 6: Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps keep the texture creamy rather than too airy.
7. Step 7: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and flour. The flour helps the filling set and gives it just enough body. Mix until fully combined and the batter is smooth and slightly glossy.
8. Step 8: Pour the filling over your cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Make sure it reaches all the corners — you want each bite to have that dreamy lemon cheesecake goodness.
9. Step 9: Bake again for 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should be just set and not jiggly in the center. A very pale golden color around the edges means it is ready.
10. Step 10: Cool the bars on a rack for about one hour, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chill time is important — it helps the filling firm up and the flavors to meld.
11. Step 11: Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Bright, tangy, and luxuriously creamy, these lemon cream cheese bars are like a burst of sunshine in dessert form. The smooth layer of lemon-infused cream cheese sits atop a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. Each morsel balances rich indulgence with citrus freshness, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Imagine the zing of fresh lemon paired with the velvety embrace of cheesecake — it is sunshine and comfort in one glorious square.

These bars are made for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or quiet afternoons when you want something bright and uplifting. They remind me of the lemon trees that marked the edge of my grandmother’s garden — tart on the outside, sweet and comforting within. The layers in these bars tell a story: crisp, soft, and smooth, with just enough lemon to make your tastebuds dance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemon cream cheese bars are easy to make and even easier to love. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. They combine the ease of a bar cookie with the flavor of a classic lemon cheesecake.

Whether you’re a citrus lover or simply crave sweet and tangy flavors, this recipe offers flexibility and depth. You can serve them chilled for a refreshing finish to a meal or at room temperature for a soft and luscious texture. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can keep a batch on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

Serving and Storage Tips

These lemon cream cheese bars are best served chilled. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you would like to prepare them ahead of time, bake and cool the bars completely, then store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled bars for up to two months. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. These work wonderfully for potlucks or make-ahead desserts for family gatherings and holidays.

For a twist, try adding a handful of crushed berries to the filling or sprinkle shredded coconut on the crust before baking. Always use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor.

FAQ

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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Bright, tangy, and luxuriously creamy, these lemon cream cheese bars feature a lemon-infused cream cheese layer over a buttery shortbread crust. The perfect balance of citrus freshness and rich indulgence, ideal for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or when you crave an uplifting dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour divided
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use your fingertips or the back of a measuring cup to flatten it evenly.
• Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
• Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Return to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer wobbly in the center.
• Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about one hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
• Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares. Serve cold and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSodium: 130mgSugar: 18g

Keyword lemon bars, lemon dessert, cheesecake bars, cream cheese bars

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