If you’re craving a dessert that’s a little bit tangy, a little bit creamy, and deliciously sweet all at once, you simply have to try Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Imagine a buttery, soft cake crust topped with a luscious, lemony cream cheese layer—the kind of treat that disappears as quickly as it’s served. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just in the mood for a bright pick-me-up, these bars deliver a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Lemon Cream Cheese Bars pulls its weight to create those signature layers of flavor and texture. You won’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and a couple of fresh lemons to guarantee that perfect balance of richness and zing.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base that saves time and assures a moist, soft crust.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and ensures your base stays gorgeously tender.
- Egg (1 for the crust): Binds the ingredients for a perfectly set crust layer.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The star of the show, making the topping incredibly creamy and smooth.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, plus more for dusting): Sweetens the creamy layer and gives an elegant, snowy finish.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the filling with fresh, citrusy brightness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Packs an extra punch of lemon fragrance and flavor.
- Eggs (2 for the filling): Help set the creamy topping to a perfectly sliceable consistency.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): The perfect finishing touch for added beauty and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a gentle grease to make sure those sweet bars release effortlessly later. Parchment is especially handy if you want clean edges and easy removal!
Step 2: Mix and Press the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix everything together until you get a soft, cohesive dough. Press this dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure to reach every corner—it’ll create that irresistible, chewy base for your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars.
Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s wonderfully smooth (no lumps, please!). Add the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, tangy zest, and remaining 2 eggs. Continue beating until everything’s creamy, pale, and well combined—this step is key for that dreamy, luscious topping.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of your crust, smoothing it out gently with a spatula to cover every inch. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the center barely jiggles when you give it a nudge. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye!
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely on the counter. Then, for the ultimate Lemon Cream Cheese Bars experience, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time not only sets the filling for neat slicing but also intensifies that zippy lemon flavor.
Step 6: Dust and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Carefully cut the bars into squares and savor every creamy, bright bite. Share with friends—or keep them all to yourself!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
While a simple powdered sugar dusting is always classic, a few curls of lemon zest or a fresh mint sprig instantly brighten the plate and give these bars a little gourmet flair. Add thin lemon slices for an extra pop of color and to highlight the citrus goodness within.
Side Dishes
Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars alongside fresh fruit (like blueberries or raspberries) for a burst of color and juicy contrast. If you want to get a bit fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a glass of iced tea turns it into a sunny afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a dessert platter with scattered berries and edible flowers. You could even stack mini bars with tiny tasting forks for a whimsical display. Individually wrapping them in parchment makes for sweet, portable favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay delightfully fresh and creamy for up to four days. Chilling them not only preserves the flavor but makes them even more refreshing.
Freezing
Need to prep for a party or stash some away for later? Lemon Cream Cheese Bars freeze surprisingly well! Wrap the bars individually or in a slab with parchment and place in a sealed container. They keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer them just a bit warmer, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after taking them out of the fridge. Avoid microwaving, as that can affect their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, you could try white, vanilla, or even lemon cake mix to reinforce the citrus theme.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. For extra precision, gently lift the bars out by the parchment before slicing.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the traditional cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix—the rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free.
My filling is lumpy. What happened?
If the cream cheese isn’t fully softened before mixing, lumps can sneak in. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until smooth before adding other ingredients.
Is there a way to boost the lemon flavor?
Definitely! Add a bit more lemon zest or a few drops of pure lemon extract to really make the citrus sing in your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how much joy these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars bring to any table. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or sneaking one for a midnight snack, they’re simply irresistible. Give them a try—you might just discover your new go-to dessert!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese with these heavenly Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. A luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 eggs
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms. Press the mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 eggs. Beat until creamy.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spread evenly, and bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add more zest or lemon extract to the filling.
- Best served chilled and can be made a day ahead. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
