Description
Creamy lemon cream cheese bars deliver a tangy-sweet symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Rich, velvety layers promise a delightful dessert experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 lemons (for zest and juice)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Binding/Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are covered for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and milk until completely combined.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness and smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, dust the surface generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant, delicate finish.
- Cut into rectangular bars, wiping the knife clean between each slice for neat, precise edges.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and optimal texture.
- Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor intensity and aromatic citrus notes throughout the bars.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant taste that elevates the entire dessert.
- Prevent over-mixing the batter after adding flour to maintain a tender, delicate crumb structure in the bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg