The sweet and tangy combination of lemon cream cheese bars – is there anything quite like it? I mean, what’s not to love about a dessert that’s equal parts cheesecake and cookie? As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that blend the best of both worlds, and trust me, these babies deliver! So, if you’re ready to pucker up and indulge in some seriously scrumptious lemon cream cheese bars, keep reading!
Introduction to Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
I still remember the first time I tried lemon cream cheese bars at a family picnic – it was love at first bite! The combination of the cookie crust, the creamy lemon cream cheese filling, and the burst of citrus flavor was absolute perfection. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to perfect my own recipe, and I’m excited to share my favorite variations with you. So, what makes lemon cream cheese bars so special? For starters, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills. Plus, they’re perfect for picnic desserts or chilled desserts, as they can be made ahead of time and served straight from the fridge.
Classic Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These lemon cream cheese bars are the real deal – a perfect blend of tangy and sweet that will leave you wanting more. So, what makes this recipe rock? The combination of a shortbread-like cookie crust and a creamy lemon cream cheese filling is absolute perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then pour the filling over the baked crust.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These lemon cream cheese bars are a game-changer – the combination of the crunchy cookie crust and the creamy lemon cream cheese filling is absolute perfection. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, like fresh lemons and real cream cheese, to get the best flavor.
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
Looking for a twist on the classic recipe? These lemon blueberry cream cheese bars add a sweet and fruity spin to the original. So, what makes this recipe rock? The addition of fresh blueberries adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to the lemon cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These lemon blueberry cream cheese bars are a refreshing twist on the classic recipe – the addition of blueberries adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to the lemon cream cheese filling. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can cause the blueberries to break down and lose their flavor.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a Shortbread Crust
These lemon cream cheese bars take the classic recipe to the next level with a shortbread-like cookie crust. So, what makes this recipe rock? The combination of the buttery shortbread crust and the creamy lemon cream cheese filling is absolute perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then pour the filling over the baked crust.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These lemon cream cheese bars with a shortbread crust are a match made in heaven – the combination of the buttery crust and the creamy lemon cream cheese filling is absolute perfection. Make sure to chill the bars before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together.
In conclusion, these lemon cream cheese bars are a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. With their perfect blend of tangy and sweet, crunchy cookie crust and creamy lemon cream cheese filling, they’re sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a picnic dessert or a chilled dessert to serve at your next gathering, these lemon cream cheese bars are the perfect choice. So go ahead, give them a try, and get ready to pucker up and indulge in some seriously scrumptious lemon cream cheese bars!
