These Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a tasty treat that balances sweet and tangy in every bite. With a smooth cream cheese filling and a buttery crust, they make your taste buds happy!
I love how easy they are to whip up! You just mix, bake, and cool. Perfect for sharing, or just for me! Who can resist a little sunshine on their plate? 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation for the crust. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it with almond flour, but it changes the texture somewhat.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well, but be mindful of the flavor shift.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is what gives these bars their creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. Low-fat cream cheese is also a possibility, but it might not be quite as rich.
Lemon juice & zest: Fresh lemons are best for their bright taste; however, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. I always recommend tasting the batter before baking to get your desired lemon flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust for My Lemon Bars?
The crust is key to having a sturdy base for your lemon bars. It should be crumbly but hold together when baked. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Mix the flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt gently. Over-mixing can lead to a tough crust.
- When pressing the dough into the pan, keep it an even thickness to ensure even baking.
- Watch the baking time. It’s done when it’s lightly golden, so don’t let it get too dark as it can affect the flavor.
How Do I Achieve a Smooth Lemon Filling?
Getting the filling smooth is crucial for those delightful lemon bars. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese is harder to blend and can result in lumps.
- Add the sugar gradually to help it dissolve better and mix well.
- Always mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- After combining everything, I like to give it a quick taste test before pouring it on the crust. You can adjust the sweetness or tartness if desired!
How to Make Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake and cool. Don’t forget to chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Total time is roughly 3 hours, but the wait is definitely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt. Stir until you get a crumbly dough consistency. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, forming the crust.
2. Bake the Crust:
Pop the crust into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and mix well until combined. Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder until everything is well blended and creamy.
4. Bake the Bars:
Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. When you can see a slight jiggle in the center, it’s ready!
5. Cool, Chill, and Serve:
Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to achieve that perfect texture. When you’re ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut them into squares, and dust with some powdered sugar. For an extra touch, garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious lemon bars!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
While cream cheese creates the best texture and flavor for these bars, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as substitutes. Just make sure to blend them well until smooth to avoid a gritty texture.
Can I Make These Lemon Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. This will provide the same structure without gluten. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free!
How to Store Leftover Lemon Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months!
How Can I Make These Bars More Tart?
If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can increase the lemon juice up to 1/3 cup or add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. This will enhance the brightness while keeping the balance of the filling intact!
