Tangy Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe: Sweet Zesty Bliss

Sweet-tart cream cheese lemon bars dance between tangy brightness and rich, velvety smoothness.

Memories of summer picnics flood back with each delightful bite.

Zesty citrus notes weave through a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles perfectly.

Soft cream cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for bright lemon flavor.

Simple ingredients come together in a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these bars faster than brewing afternoon tea.

Indulge your senses and let these bars become your next delectable kitchen adventure.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars – Keep Smooth and Sliceable

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm chilled bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm texture, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture, as the crust may become slightly softer over time.

Sweet Pairings for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

• Refreshing Citrus Cocktail Companion: Pair these lemon bars with a crisp gin and tonic, garnished with a fresh lemon wheel to echo the dessert's bright citrus notes.
• Wine Harmony Pairing: Select a chilled Moscato d'Asti or a light Riesling, whose sweet and slightly acidic profile complements the creamy, tangy lemon bars perfectly.
• Herbal Tea Delight: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to balance the rich cream cheese and provide a soothing counterpoint to the dessert's zesty flavor.
• Sorbet Cleansing Finish: Serve a small scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet alongside the bars to refresh the palate and enhance the citrusy undertones.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe Sweet Recipe Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch instead of regular flour in the filling to maintain texture.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Lemon Bars: Swap dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu for binding.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the tangy lemon flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream cheese alternative and plant-based butter substitute. Keep the lemon zest and juice for bright, citrusy notes while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs

• What makes the crust different in this recipe?

The crust uses a combination of flour, sugar, and chilled butter, creating a shortbread-like base that’s crumbly and rich, providing a perfect foundation for the creamy lemon filling.

• How do I know when the filling is properly set?

The filling is set when it looks slightly firm and doesn’t jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. It should have a slight wobble but not be liquid-like in the center.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners.

• Why do I need to use softened cream cheese?

Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling, ensuring a silky, uniform texture throughout the lemon bars.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars With Tangy Sweetness

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these irresistible lemon bars that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, brunch events, or casual weekend treats that everyone will love and appreciate.
• Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Simple step-by-step instructions make this dessert accessible for novice bakers, requiring basic kitchen skills and standard ingredients.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy lemon with rich cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-tart dessert that tingles taste buds and leaves guests craving more.

What You Put In Lemon Cream Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the base of the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky crust with a buttery flavor, best when cold and cubed.

• Cream Cheese: Gives a creamy, tangy base to the filling, should be softened at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and provides stability.
• Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and tartness, always use fresh for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and creates a smooth dusting on top.

• Eggs: Bind the filling together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to complement the lemon flavor.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars How To Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready for magic.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Crust

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Dice up cold butter into small cubes and work them into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like crumbly sand.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden color, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, start by beating cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

• Granulated sugar
• Flour
• Lemon juice
• Powdered sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything until the mixture is completely smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the luscious lemon filling right over the golden crust.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the filling sets and looks slightly firm.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.

When ready to serve, dust the top with a light snowfall of powdered sugar.

Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and golden-brown crust without sticking or overcooking.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrusy brightness and more intense lemon flavor.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to achieve clean, neat edges and easier serving.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty lemon bars with cream cheese create a tangy-sweet dessert that dances between creamy and bright. Silky smooth filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust promises pure bliss for you to savor with every delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 34 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 cup granulated sugar
• 12 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 14 cup flour
• 13 cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by blending flour, sugar, and salt into a crumbly texture, ensuring even distribution of chilled butter pieces throughout the mixture.
2. Transform the crumb mixture into a compact, golden layer by pressing firmly into the baking dish, creating a sturdy base that will support the luscious topping.
3. Whip the cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and flour to develop a luxurious, velvety consistency that will form the rich cream cheese backdrop.
4. Infuse the cream cheese mixture with bright, zesty lemon juice, complemented by the subtle sweetness of powdered sugar, then fold in eggs and vanilla to create a harmonious, creamy filling.
5. Gently cascade the lemony cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked golden crust, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
6. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the filling to set and transform into a delicate, wobble-free canvas with a subtle golden sheen.
7. Permit the bars to cool completely, enabling the layers to solidify and develop their full flavor profile and structural integrity.
8. Provide a final flourish by dusting the cooled bars with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant and inviting presentation that hints at the delightful flavors within.

Notes

• Select premium, fresh lemons for the most vibrant, zesty flavor that transforms the entire dessert.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumpy filling and achieve ultra-smooth texture.
• Chill bars completely before cutting to get clean, precise edges and prevent crumbly, messy slices.
• Experiment with adding lemon zest directly into filling for an intense, bright citrus punch that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg