Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying? Look no further! These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They're bursting with bright lemon flavor, creamy texture, and a delightful buttery crust – guaranteed to become a new family favorite. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dessert. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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. Don't overmix!
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Making the creamy lemon filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works best here.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
Baking and glazing:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze. This is important for preventing the glaze from melting or running.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips for Success:
- Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
- Don't overmix the crust or the filling; overmixing can make the bars tough.
- Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze. Patience is key here!
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon extract along with the lemon zest and juice.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the cream cheese filling.
- Raspberry Lemon Bars: Swap the blueberries for raspberries.
- Strawberry Lemon Bars: Use fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Omit the Glaze: Enjoy the bars as is for a simpler, yet equally delicious treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on serving size and glaze)
This delicious and easy lemon cream cheese bars recipe is perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a more formal gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, and a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas for a delightful homemade cooking experience. Enjoy!