Craving a dessert that balances sweet and tart perfectly? Look no further than Cream Cheese Lemon Bars! These bars are a delightful blend of creamy texture and zesty lemon flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party or enjoying a casual afternoon tea, Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are sure to impress. Read on to discover how to create these delectable treats and make them the star of your next event!

What are Cream Cheese Lemon Bars?
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, creamy lemon filling. The crust, made from flour, sugar, and butter, provides a sturdy base that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy filling. The filling itself is a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and eggs, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. These bars are typically topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon.
Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¾ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Cream Cheese Lemon Bars is their versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations to tailor the recipe to your preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for a unique twist, or mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar in the filling by ¼ cup, or for a tangier taste, reduce it by ¼ cup.
- Nutty Crust: Replace a portion of the flour in the crust with almond flour for added nuttiness and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating these delicious bars is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
How to Cook Cream Cheese Lemon Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, blender, or using a pastry cutter, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and chilled butter cubes. Pulse or blend until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Press this crust mixture firmly into your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Blend in the flour, powdered sugar, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve: Using the foil overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Cream Cheese Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overmixing the Filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the filling. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the Chill Time: It's crucial to let the bars chill for at least 4 hours to ensure they set properly and are easy to cut.
- Undercooking the Crust: Make sure the crust is lightly golden before adding the filling. An undercooked crust can become soggy.
- Cutting Bars Too Soon: Cutting the bars before they are fully chilled can cause them to fall apart. Patience is key!
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are best served chilled. Their creamy, tangy filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust, making them a refreshing treat. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Add Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Top with Lemon Slices: Thin slices of lemon not only enhance the presentation but also emphasize the lemony flavor of the bars.
Presentation Ideas for Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
- Elegant Platter: Arrange the bars on an elegant serving platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Tiered Stand: For a more formal setting, present the bars on a tiered dessert stand alongside other treats.
- Individual Plates: Serve each bar on a small dessert plate with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Boost the Lemony Flavor: Add an extra teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the filling for an even zestier taste.
- High Altitude Baking: If you’re baking at high altitude, you may need to adjust the baking time. If the bars are too soft after baking, continue to bake in 5-10 minute increments until set. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Uniform Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly and firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together well when cut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Cream Cheese Lemon Bars? A: Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: How long do Cream Cheese Lemon Bars last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cream Cheese Lemon Bars can last up to a week.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. They actually taste better after chilling and setting in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? A: While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just ensure it’s pure lemon juice without any added sugars or preservatives.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a delightful and versatile dessert, perfect for any occasion. With their creamy, tangy filling and buttery crust, they are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow the steps, avoid common mistakes, and get creative with your serving and presentation. Enjoy the delicious balance of sweet and tart in every bite of these luxurious Cream Cheese Lemon Bars!
PrintCream Cheese Lemon Bars Recipe
Indulge in these Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, featuring a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling. Perfect for dessert, these bars are made with simple ingredients and are sure to be a hit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¾ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar, plus more for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the 2 cups granulated sugar and ¼ cup flour, mixing until well combined. Add the lemon juice, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve the perfect crust texture.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
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