When life hands you lemons, there’s only one thing better than lemonade: Lemon Cream Cheese Bars! With their bright citrus zing, luscious cream cheese center, and buttery shortbread crust, these bars strike the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or a sunny afternoon treat, this recipe transforms pantry staples into a showstopping dessert everyone will remember. If you’re looking to bake something just a little more special, but still cozy and familiar, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are about to become your new go-to.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Lemon Cream Cheese Bars lies in a handful of simple ingredients that work magic together. Each ingredient plays an important role in delivering that signature flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you need it:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a melt-in-your-mouth, rich shortbread base that holds everything together.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the buttery crust and balances the creamy filling.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for dusting): Adds subtle sweetness and helps keep the crust perfectly tender; the extra is the crowning touch.
Cream Cheese (2 8-ounce packages, softened): The velvety heart of the bars—don’t rush the softening for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Brightens the creamy filling and enhances the fresh lemon flavors.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the filling, giving it a sliceable, custardy richness.
Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a fragrant punch—freshly grated zest is key to the bars’ bold citrus pop.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Adds pure, tart brightness and depth—use real lemons for best results.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out all the sharp citrus with a subtle layer of warmth.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or give it a light coat of nonstick spray. This sets the stage for perfectly baked Lemon Cream Cheese Bars that come out in one gorgeous piece!

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, blend together the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Don’t overmix—just combine until the mixture is crumbly and sticks together when you press it. Evenly pat this mixture into the prepared pan, pressing gently to spread it to the edges and form a uniform layer. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is just turning golden at the edges. This base provides the signature tender crunch beneath every creamy bite.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth—no lumps! Add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Finish off with the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, blending until the filling is luscious and fully combined. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling dreamy!

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the cream cheese filling over your warm, toasty crust and gently smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes. You want the edges to turn lightly golden, and the center to be set but slightly wobbly—it will firm up as it cools, ensuring the ideal creamy consistency that makes Lemon Cream Cheese Bars so addictive.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—this step is non-negotiable for picture-perfect slicing. Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a stunning, bakery-style finish.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible finish, a classic dusting of powdered sugar is a must. Add a bit of flair with twists of lemon peel, a few curls of white chocolate, or even a handful of fresh berries if you want to take your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with simple accompaniments that won’t overshadow their flavor—think a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, fresh fruit salad, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their creamy-citrus profile makes them a light yet satisfying end to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Arrange bars on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning centerpiece. For extra wow, drizzle with raspberry coulis or dip half of each bar in white chocolate. Mini cupcake liners turn each square into a portable, grab-and-go treat for outdoor picnics and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars tasting their best, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to make them well ahead, freeze the bars (cut or uncut) in a single layer until solid, then wrap tightly and keep frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and dust with powdered sugar just before enjoying.

Reheating

These bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer bite, set them out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, natural flavor that really shines in Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but for the very best taste, squeeze your own lemons!

Why did my bars crack on top?

Cracks can appear if the bars are overbaked or if the filling was mixed at high speed, incorporating too much air. They’ll still taste incredible, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar covers any imperfections.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Chill the bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. For extra precision, run the knife under hot water, dry, and slice—each piece will come out looking bakery-perfect.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Most work beautifully, maintaining that tender shortbread crust and creamy filling you love.

How do I add extra lemon flavor?

If you’re a true lemon lover, double the zest or add a splash of lemon extract for an even tangier kick. Just be careful not to overpower the creamy cheese—balance is what makes Lemon Cream Cheese Bars so dreamy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about pulling a tray of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars from the oven and sharing them with friends and family. The combination of zesty citrus and creamy filling always hits the spot. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese with these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. A perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors in a decadent dessert treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the crust: Mix flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press into the pan and bake for 15–18 minutes.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
Bake: Bake for 25–28 minutes until set. Cool, refrigerate for 2 hours.
Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!