Description
Lemon cream cheese bars are the ultimate dessert for citrus lovers, combining the refreshing zing of fresh lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust that supports a luscious lemon filling, resulting in a sweet yet tangy treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them chilled on a hot summer day or as a comforting dessert during winter gatherings, these bars are sure to impress. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful burst of flavor that balances indulgence and lightness, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the remaining sugar while mixing until well incorporated. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
- Allow cooling completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- – Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; avoid bottled juice.
- – Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps.
- – Chill bars before cutting for cleaner slices.
- – Consider adding whipped cream or powdered sugar as a topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (64g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg