Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will brighten up any gathering. The buttery shortbread crust perfectly complements the rich, lemony cream cheese filling, making these bars an irresistible treat for potlucks, spring parties, or simply when you crave a refreshing dessert. Their ease of preparation makes them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust
• For the Filling
• How to Make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Make the Crust
• Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• Step 4: Bake the Bars
• Step 5: Cool and Chill
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Pairing with Fresh Berries
• Adding Whipped Cream
• Serving with Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Reheating Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese?
• How do I know when my Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are done?
• Can I add other flavors to these lemon bars?
• What’s the best way to cut these bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of cream cheese and fresh lemon juice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Versatile Dessert – Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers.
• Make Ahead – These bars can be made in advance and chilled overnight, saving you time on the day of your event.
• Crowd-Pleaser – With their bright flavor and appealing presentation, they are sure to be a hit among family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or blender – This tool helps combine the crust ingredients quickly for a uniform texture.
• 9×13-inch baking pan – The perfect size for baking these bars evenly and allows for easy serving.
• Whisk or electric mixer – Ensures that the cream cheese filling is smooth and creamy without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

For the Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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How to Make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out easily later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a food processor or blender, combine:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1 cup unsalted butter

Pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers in a large bowl.

Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 cups granulated sugar until smooth.

Then add:
2. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3. 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4. 6 large eggs
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the filling over the partially baked crust in your pan. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is set.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 6: Serve

Once fully chilled, lift the bars out using the foil or parchment overhang. Slice into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Lemon Bars! They are sure to impress everyone who gets to taste them!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even better.

Pairing with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy contrast to the tangy lemon bars.
• Raspberries – The tartness of raspberries complements the citrus flavors beautifully.
• Blueberries – These sweet berries provide a pop of color and a refreshing taste.

Adding Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the creaminess of the bars.
• Lemon Flavored Whipped Cream – Infuse whipped cream with lemon zest for an extra zing that ties in with the bars.

Serving with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the zesty filling.
• Lemon Sorbet – For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon sorbet for those who love citrus flavors.

How to Perfect Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

To achieve the best results with your Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, consider these essential tips for perfection.

• Chill Properly – Ensure you refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours. This allows them to set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined when adding eggs. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness Carefully – The center should be set but may still have a slight jiggle. If unsure, continue baking in increments of 5–10 minutes.
• Dust Before Serving – Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that enhances both flavor and appearance.
• Store Correctly – Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

While Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast; try soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
3. Mint Tea – Serve warm mint tea as a refreshing beverage option that complements the citrus notes.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side dish that works well with lemon flavors.
5. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle rich chocolate sauce over the bars or serve it on the side for dipping.
6. Pistachio Crumble – A crunchy pistachio crumble adds texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with smooth cream cheese filling.
7. Lemonade Slushie – This icy drink is perfect for hot days and pairs beautifully with lemon bars.
8. Coconut Macaroons – Serve these chewy treats alongside your lemon bars for a tropical twist.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert experience featuring your Cream Cheese Lemon Bars!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the bars to chill is essential for the right texture. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate them for at least 4 hours.
• Not measuring accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and a liquid measuring cup for lemon juice.
• Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; they should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling. Make sure it’s softened before mixing for a smooth texture.
• Neglecting the crust: A well-formed crust enhances texture and flavor. Press it down firmly and evenly in the pan before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cream Cheese Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

• Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, they taste better after chilling overnight.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt as alternatives, but this will change the flavor slightly.

How do I know when my Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are done?

They should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I add other flavors to these lemon bars?

Absolutely! Consider adding fresh lemon zest or even berries for extra flavor.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, use a warm knife and wipe it between each slice.

Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them a perfect dessert for spring gatherings or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize with additional flavors or toppings to suit your taste!

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