Lemon Cheese Bars
Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with these irresistible Lemon Cheese Bars, a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy, citrus-infused cheesecake topping. Each bar bursts with the brightness of fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest, making it a refreshing dessert for any occasion. With a dusting of powdered sugar and a chilled, velvety texture, these bars are an elegant yet simple dessert option. Easy to make with just 20 minutes of prep time and ideal for beginner and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a midweek pick-me-up. Serve these luscious lemon bars straight from the fridge for a zesty, crowd-pleasing treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Serve chilled and enjoy these tangy, creamy Lemon Cheese Bars!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 284.1 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 172.7 g | 864% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1140 mg | 380% | |
| Sodium | 916 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 473.6 g | 172% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 277.8 g | ||
| Protein | 53.9 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 818 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
