Ingredients
- All Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups – forms the base and crumb topping
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/4 cups, divided – sweetens crust and filling
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, melted – adds richness and binds the crust
- Cream Cheese: 16 ounces, softened – smooth and tangy filling
- Eggs: 2 large – help set the filling
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup – bright citrus flavor
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon – enhances lemon aroma
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – adds depth
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – balances sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper
- Combine Ingredients: Mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter for crust. Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth, then add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Press crust mixture into the bottom of prepared pan
- Assemble the Dish: Pour filling over crust and sprinkle remaining flour for crumb topping
- Cook to Perfection: Bake 30-35 minutes until center is set and top is lightly golden
- Finishing Touches: Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours
- Serve and Enjoy: Lift from pan, slice into squares, serve chilled or at room temperature
Notes
- Chill bars completely before slicing for clean edges
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
- Do not overbake to keep filling soft
- Wipe knife between slices for neat squares
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars, lemon dessert, creamy bars, easy dessert, lemon bar recipe