Print

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Print Recipe

Simple, bright, and creamy lemon bars with a smooth cream cheese layer on a crisp crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs or plain biscuit crumbs
  • 1/3 cup (75 g) sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for filling)
  • 2/3 cup (135 g) sugar (for filling)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment, leaving extra to lift the bars out.
  2. Mix the graham crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 8–10 minutes until slightly golden. Let cool a few minutes.
  3. Lower oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  4. Beat the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar and beat until combined. Add the egg and beat just until mixed.
  5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, flour, and salt until smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18–22 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  8. Cool on a rack to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until cold.
  9. Lift bars from the pan, dust with powdered sugar if you like, and cut into squares.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for a smooth filling. Chill well before cutting for neat squares.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon bars, cream cheese dessert, easy dessert, baked lemon bars

Find it online: https://yourfavoriterecipes.com/lemon-cream-cheese-bars-recipe/