Zesty Lemon Dream Bars Creamy Tangy Sunshine on a Plate

Recipe Introduction: Zesty Lemon Dream Bars

Ever find yourself craving something a bit posh, but without the fuss? Fancy a taste of sunshine? My Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is your answer! This is not just some ordinary Lemon Bar recipe, it's a creamy, tangy delight that'll make you say "Absolutely Fabulous!".

They're proper lush!

What's the Buzz About these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

This Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe takes the classic Lemon Bar up a notch. Think of it as the sophisticated cousin.

The cream cheese filling adds a richness that balances the tartness of the lemon perfectly. It's like a taste of summer in every bite.

A Little Bit About This Creamy Lemon Dessert

These Cream Cheese Bars Recipe aren't some new-fangled invention. They are more like a modern twist to Lemon Bar. They bring that refreshing zesty flavor with an addition of creamy goodness.

It's an easy recipe, takes about 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time), and makes 16 bars. Perfect for sharing.

.. or not!

Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Squares Recipe

Honestly, the best thing is that this Easy Lemon Bar Recipe is easy to make. Plus, it's a great way to impress your friends at a picnic.

Also, lemon can boast high levels of vitamin C, so it's practically health food, right?

These bars are special because they offer that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Also, the creamy texture is just divine.

If you are fan of Tangy Lemon Bars , you've got to try them! Now, let's gather our bits and bobs and get baking!

Zesty Lemon Dream Bars Creamy Tangy Sunshine on a Plate Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:16 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

• Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
• Bake the crust in a preheated oven until lightly golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
• While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour. Mix until just combined.
• Pour the cream cheese filling over the partially baked crust.
• Bake until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden (about 20-25 minutes). The center may still jiggle slightly.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:15g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Zesty Lemon Dream Bars

Alright, let's talk ingredients for these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe . Honestly, they are simpler than you think. And they are so refreshing.

It is like having a sunny afternoon tea party in your mouth!.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 16 squares of these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars :

• Crust Time!

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour: This makes a crumbly crust.
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
  • ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, cold: Absolutely cold butter here.
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweet.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Flavour enhancer!

• Lemon Cream Cheese Filling Fun

  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened: Room temperature is vital.
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetness is key.
  • 2 large eggs : Binds it all together.
  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice: About 3-4 lemons should do it.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest: From about 3 lemons.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps set the filling.

• Optional Final Touch

  • Powdered sugar: For dusting, totally optional.

Quality Check: The cream cheese must be high quality. The Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe depends on it!.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

For that classic zing in the Lemon Cream Cheese Squares :

• Lemon Zest and Juice: Don’t skimp. Fresh is best for that amazing flavor. Use 3 lemons in total!
• Vanilla: A little vanilla extract makes everything better. Honestly, it does!.
• Spice Boost: Try a pinch of cardamom. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the lemon.

For substitutions, lime juice works great. This will give you Tangy Lemon Bars .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need much for this Easy Lemon Bar Recipe :

• 9x13 inch baking pan: Essential.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal.
• Mixing bowls: Gotta mix stuff.
• Electric mixer: Handheld works.
• Lemon zester: A must.
• Lemon juicer: Makes life easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Obvious, right?

Household Hacks: No lemon juicer? Squeeze with your hands. I've been there!. No zester? Use a grater carefully. The Cream Cheese Bars Recipe will be a success either way!.

So, that's it. Gather your goodies, and let’s make some delicious Lemon Dessert Recipes . This Creamy Lemon Dessert will be a hit with everyone!.

Alright, let's chat about how to nail these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe . Honestly, these are easier than brewing a cuppa.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars : Let's Get Baking!

So, you're after a Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe that’s foolproof? You've come to the right place. These aren’t your average Lemon Bars ; we're talking creamy, tangy, sunshine-on-a-plate kind of good.

Think of these Tangy Lemon Bars as the posher cousin of the classic – that Creamy Lemon Dessert vibe. Now, I’m no Michelin-star chef, but I've baked enough to know a good thing.

And trust me, this Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is a winner.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. It's fancy French for "get your stuff together." Honestly, measure out all your ingredients beforehand.

Soften your 8 ounces cream cheese – that’s key for a smooth filling. Nobody wants lumpy Lemon Cream Cheese Squares .

And remember: safety first! Keep little hands and paws away from the hot oven, yeah?

Step-by-Step to Easy Lemon Bar Recipe Bliss

Ready? Here's how to turn those ingredients into delicious Cheese Bars Recipe :

1. Line your 9x13 inch pan with baking paper. Leave some hanging over the sides.
2. Mix the crust ingredients. Press into the pan. Prick with a fork.
3. Partially bake the crust for 15- 20 minutes . Until lightly golden.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then, add eggs, lemon juice, zest and flour.
5. Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for another 20- 25 minutes .

Let it cool completely. Then, chill for at least 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for Perfection

Want to really impress with your Lemon Dessert Recipes ? Here's the goss:

• Use cold butter for the crust. It makes all the difference.
• Don’t overbake! A slight jiggle in the center is fine.
• Make it ahead. These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are even better the next day!

Honestly, that’s it. With this Easy Lemon Bar Recipe , you will nail your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars every single time.

Recipe Notes for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Ever

Alright, so you're about to tackle this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe ? Ace! Let's chat about some extra bits to make sure yours turn out absolutely perfect .

Honestly, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are so good, they might just become your signature bake. I should also add that Tangy Lemon Bars are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

How To Serve your Lemon Bars

Plating these Cream Cheese Bars Recipe can be super simple, or fancy. I like to dust them with a bit of powdered sugar.

It makes them look so pretty! A dollop of whipped cream? Don't mind if I do! For drinks, think something light and refreshing.

I like them with iced tea, lemonade, or something bubbly like prosecco if you're feeling fancy.

Keep 'em Fresh: Storage Tips

These Lemon Bar beauties keep really well. In the fridge, stored in an airtight container, they'll be good for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to 2 months. Defrost them in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to serve, just let them sit at room temperature for a little bit.

Remix Time: Variations on this Delicious Creamy Lemon Dessert

Fancy a change? You can swap out the lemon for lime to make lime Lemon Cream Cheese Squares ! Or how about adding some blueberries or raspberries to the filling? Yum! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

It works a treat!

All About the Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics

Okay, so Easy Lemon Bar Recipe aren’t exactly health food, but they're not too bad. They’re a good source of energy (hello, sugar!) and the lemon gives you a little vitamin C boost.

Keep in mind that these Lemon Dessert Recipes are a treat, not a meal. But every so often, don’t worry about the numbers, and just go for it.

So, there you have it. Everything you need to make these Zesty Lemon Dream Bars the best they can be! Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on them.

Now go on, get baking!