Lemon Cheese Squares
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, these Lemon Cheese Squares are a perfect blend of tangy citrus and rich cheesecake flavors. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a dreamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling, this easy recipe is a refreshing dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying. The fresh lemon juice and zest bring a vibrant burst of flavor, while a light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just an hour (plus chilling time), these bite-sized delights are ideal for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple weeknight treat. With only 20 minutes of prep time and 12 servings per batch, Lemon Cheese Squares are as convenient as they are delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Blend until the mixture forms a soft dough.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of flour to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Remove from the oven and allow the Lemon Cheese Squares to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2298 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.8 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.0 g | 395% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 747 mg | 249% | |
| Sodium | 888 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.5 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 125.0 g | ||
| Protein | 41.0 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 330 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 573 mg | 12% | |
*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.
