Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Add the sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
• Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in lemon flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Combine with the Crust

• Pour the filling: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. The edges should be golden brown.
• Let cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Topping

• Whisk together: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
• Pour over the bars: Pour the lemon topping evenly over the cooled bars.
• Bake again: Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown.
• Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Step 5: Dust with powdered sugar

• Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Tips:

• For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice and zest.
• You can also add a pinch of salt to the filling for a more balanced flavor.
• For a variation, add a layer of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon curd on top of the bars.