Are you craving a burst of sunshine on a plate? Then look no further! These lemon bars with cream cheese are the perfect treat – tangy, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising a homemade dessert that's far superior to anything store-bought. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dessert, ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Prepare for a delightful journey into the world of easy recipes and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough crust.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. This forms the base of your delicious lemon bars.
Making the Lemon Filling:
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins – a luscious cream cheese base for your tangy lemon filling!
- Whisk in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Stir in the lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest until everything is well incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Once the crust is baked and slightly cooled, pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. Patience is key here for a perfectly set filling.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents crumbling.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy! Dusting with powdered sugar is optional, but it adds a beautiful finishing touch. Serve and savor these delightful homemade lemon bars!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use a combination of butter and shortening.
- For a more intense lemon flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon extract to the filling.
- Make it ahead: These lemon bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Add a topping: A sprinkle of blueberries or raspberries on top before baking would complement the lemon flavor.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes created with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Enjoy your homemade lemon bars! They're perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while enjoying a delightful treat that's both quick dinner ideas and easy recipes for the whole family. This recipe promises a delicious journey into the world of healthy meals and homemade cooking.