Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Lemon Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. - Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon layer.
- Make the Lemon Layer:
- In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
- Add in the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using), and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Lemon Layer:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish.
- Chill and Serve:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and firm.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish and transfer to a cutting board.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Benefits
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps in maintaining healthy skin. The citrus also aids digestion and can help with weight control.
Cream Cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also contains some protein and is a good source of vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.
Tips
- For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Chilling the bars before cutting will help them set properly and make for cleaner slices.
Enjoy these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as a refreshing and tangy dessert or snack!