Introduction
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate dessert for those who love the combination of tangy citrus flavors with a rich, creamy texture. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant lemon topping that adds the perfect burst of freshness. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a summer gathering, a holiday treat, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are a must-try.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious bars from scratch, covering everything from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and expert tips for achieving the best results. Get ready to indulge in one of the most refreshing and decadent desserts!
Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars require three main components: the crust, the cream cheese filling, and the lemon topping.
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz (two 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Lemon Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnishes (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream
- Lemon zest curls
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine crust ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into the pan: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes: The crust should be lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and lemon: One at a time, beat in the eggs, then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour over the crust: Spread the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Topping
- Mix dry ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Cook until thickened: Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot lemon mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine and finish cooking: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in butter and lemon juice: Remove from heat and mix in the butter and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread over cream cheese layer: Allow the topping to cool slightly before evenly spreading it over the cream cheese filling.
- Chill for at least 3 hours: For the best results, refrigerate the bars until fully set before slicing.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bars have fully set, cut them into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. You can also garnish with lemon zest curls or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations
Use Different Crusts:
- Substitute graham crackers with crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers for a different texture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance the contrast between the sweet and tangy flavors.
Make It Lighter:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a slightly lighter version without compromising taste.
- Swap granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the filling.
Enhance the Lemon Flavor:
- Increase the amount of lemon zest for a more intense citrus kick.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make the bars a day ahead and allow them to chill overnight for an even better texture.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your craving for something sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just indulging in a personal treat, these bars are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
So, grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Once you experience the luscious layers of graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and vibrant lemon topping, you’ll understand why these bars are a crowd favorite. Happy baking!
