Description
These Zesty Cream Cheese Lemon Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a rich, creamy lemon filling, delivering a perfect balance of tangy citrus and smooth sweetness. Ideal for a refreshing dessert or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a crumbly dough.
- Press crust into pan: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Add condensed milk: Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate eggs and lemon: Add the egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until the filling is creamy and well blended.
- Pour filling over crust: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top for an even surface.
- Bake bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center just sets and is no longer jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the filling.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice into 16 bars and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best zesty flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter taste.
- Refrigerate bars well before slicing to ensure clean cuts and firm texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
