Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Introduction:

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful, tangy, and creamy dessert that combines the fresh zing of lemon with the smooth richness of cream cheese. Featuring a buttery, crisp crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a tart lemon layer, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. They are ideal for spring or summer gatherings, but their bright flavors make them a welcome treat year-round. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these bars are a must-try for lemon lovers!

The Inspiration Behind Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:

Lemon desserts are beloved for their refreshing taste, and the addition of cream cheese brings a decadent twist to the classic lemon bar. These bars are inspired by the simplicity of a cheesecake paired with the bold flavors of lemon curd, creating a light yet rich dessert in every bite.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bars, giving structure.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates a buttery, flaky crust.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the crust.
• For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the creamy and rich texture of the middle layer.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
  • 1 large egg: Helps set the cream cheese layer.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor that enhances the cream cheese.
• For the Lemon Layer:
  • 2 large eggs: Give the lemon layer its structure and richness.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling and balances the tartness.
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the lemon layer.
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Provides the bright, tangy lemon flavor.
  • Zest of 1 lemon: Enhances the citrusy flavor.
• For Garnishing (optional):
  • Powdered sugar: Dust over the bars for a pretty finish and extra sweetness.
  • Lemon zest: Adds a fresh pop of color and additional citrusy flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm, even layer.
   • Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
   • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Lemon Layer:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
   • Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
4. Bake the Bars:
   • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and slightly golden at the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Chill and Slice:
   • Once the bars have cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
   • Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and add extra lemon zest if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:

1. Cold Butter for the Crust: Use cold butter for a flaky, firm crust. This ensures a crisp base that holds the creamy and lemon layers without becoming soggy.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be too harsh and lack the brightness of fresh lemons.
3. Chill Before Slicing: Allow the bars to fully chill before slicing to ensure neat, clean cuts and well-defined layers.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist.
2. Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the traditional shortbread crust with a graham cracker crust for a more crumbly texture.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and lemon layer for a gluten-free version of these bars.
4. Coconut Lemon Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkle it on top for a tropical flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are rich in fats and sugars, largely due to the cream cheese and butter in the crust. To make a lighter version:

• Reduce Sugar: You can cut down on the sugar in both the cream cheese and lemon layers.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use low-fat or light cream cheese for a lower-calorie option without sacrificing much flavor.
• Portion Control: Cut smaller squares to help manage portion sizes, as these bars are quite rich and satisfying.

FAQ:

1. Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
   Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
2. How should I store leftovers?
   Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. However, the flavor may not be as vibrant.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a perfect balance of creamy richness and bright, tangy lemon flavor, layered on a buttery shortbread crust. These refreshing bars are ideal for any occasion and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Ingredients

  

• cooking spray
• 2 8 ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
• 2 lemons zested and juiced, divided
• 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• 3 tablespoons white sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
• Unroll 1 crescent roll dough; press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to the edges.
• Mix together lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into juice-zest mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; spread over crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
• Unroll remaining crescent roll dough and place over cream cheese mixture, stretching to the edges. Brush melted butter on top. Mix together 3 tablespoons sugar and remaining lemon zest in a small bowl; sprinkle over melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
• Lift dessert from the baking dish using foil; transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares, leaving on foil. Return dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.