Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe 🍋🍰

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a deliciously tangy and creamy dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. With a buttery, slightly crumbly crust and a smooth, luscious cream cheese filling, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They’re perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just when you need a refreshing dessert to enjoy!

---

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water (as needed)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemony flavor)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix to combine.
3. Add the cold butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg yolk and mix until combined. If the dough is too crumbly, add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

1. Bake the bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to help them firm up further.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest (optional).
2. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Once the bars have cooled completely, pour the lemon glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and serve chilled.
3. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh mint for extra decoration.

---

Storage Tips:

✔ Refrigerator: Store the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
✔ Freezer: These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw them in the fridge before serving.

---

Tips & Variations:

✔ Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut flakes over the glaze before serving. ✔ Berries for Garnish: Top the bars with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor. ✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make this dessert gluten-free. ✔ Make it More Tart: If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice to taste, or add a bit more lemon zest.

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are an irresistible combination of creamy, tangy lemon flavor with a buttery, slightly crumbly crust. The fresh lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these bars a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy! 😊