Here’s a delightful recipe for Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. These bars are a perfect blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese, making for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set completely. Before serving, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy!