Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are the ultimate sweet and tangy treat, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon-cream cheese filling. These bars are bright, creamy, and refreshing—perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you're craving a citrusy dessert.
Servings: 20
Calories: 316kcal
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar plus more for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after chilling.
- Make the crust: In a food processor or blender, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, mix by hand using a pastry cutter or fork.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the partially baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully chilled and set.
- Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the filling for extra citrus flavor.
If the bars haven’t set after baking, continue baking in 5–10 minute increments. Tent with foil if edges begin to overbrown.
For clean slices, use a warm knife and wipe between each cut.