Lemon Delight Cream Cheese Bars
These lemony, creamy bars are a delightful blend of tangy lemon and smooth cream cheese, all set on a buttery, crumbly base. They’re the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a refreshing lemon flavor that’s sure to please. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh lemon slices or zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together. You can use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the ingredients.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. The center should still have a slight jiggle but not be runny.
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices or additional lemon zest if desired
