Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A close-up of a zesty lemon cream cheese bar, topped with a lemon slice, on a wooden board.

Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

  • Author: recipebychefs.com
  • Total Time: 60 min
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Bright and tangy lemon bars with a creamy cheesecake layer, perfect for a summer treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
  6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined.
  8. Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust.
  9. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  11. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
  12. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
  • Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: lemon bars, cream cheese bars, summer dessert, tangy, sweet, easy baking, cheesecake bars

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://recipebychefs.com/zesty-lemon-cream-cheese-bars-summer-delight/