Zesty Lemon Dream Cream Cheese Bars a Sunshine Bake
Recipe Introduction
Fancy whipping up something truly special? Ever feel like a Sunshine Bake ? Let's talk Lemon Cream Cheese Bars . Honestly, who can resist that tangy, creamy goodness? These are more than just Cheese Bars ; they're a little slice of heaven.
The Zest of Life: What are Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Our Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe will show you it is so easy to make a ray of sunshine on a plate! This is inspired by classic American recipes.
Think Lemon Shortbread Bars , but with an extra layer of creamy delight. This Creamy Lemon Dessert is the Lemon Cream Cheese dream!
A Bite of History (and Flavor)
These bars are a twist on the classic Cheese Bars , perfect for any occasion. Originating from American baking traditions, this Easy Lemon Bar Recipe is both simple and satisfying.
Expect to spend about 1 hour and 25 minutes making around 16 bars.
Why You'll Love These Zesty Lemon Bars
The best part? Besides the incredible flavor, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a great source of happiness. Did you know that the scent of lemons is known to improve mood? These bars are perfect for summer potlucks, afternoon tea, or just a little treat for yourself.
What makes this recipe special is the balanced tangy and sweet flavor and a buttery, crumbly crust. I've baked these for countless picnics, and they're always the first to disappear.
Now, let's gather our ingredients!
Alright, let's get cracking! Fancy whipping up a batch of sunshine? These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are THE bake to brighten any day.
Honestly, they’re like a ray of sunshine on a plate. I mean, who can resist a creamy lemon dessert ?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Gather the Goods!
Okay, before we dive into making these Lemon Shortbread Bars , let's get our ducks in a row. It's like prepping for a big art project, innit? Having everything ready makes it a breeze!
Main Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, plus a bit more for dusting
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, super cold and cubed! (Crucial!)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces (454g) cream cheese, softened perfectly
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice (no bottled stuff, yeah?)
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) lemon zest (get zesty!)
- 2 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
Quality indicators: For the butter, go for the good stuff! It really makes a difference. And for the cream cheese, make sure it's properly softened, or you'll end up with lumpy Cream Cheese Bars .
Nobody wants that!
Seasoning Notes
Think of these as the secret sauce for our Zesty Lemon Bars .
- Lemon zest and juice: This is the power couple. Never skip the zest!
- Salt: It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavours.
- Flavour enhancers and aromatics: a dash of vanilla extract could be the secret ingredient!
- If you're out of heavy cream? Full fat sour cream works in a pinch. The results? More Cream Cheese Bars Recipe magic!
Equipment Needed
Right, less is more here, loves.
- 9x13 inch baking pan : Can't really skip this one.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal. (Trust me, you'll thank me later).
- Mixing bowls: Obvs.
- Electric mixer: Handheld or stand, your call.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise baking.
- Zester or Microplane: For the lemon zest.
- Lemon juicer: Makes life so much easier!
No electric mixer? A whisk and some elbow grease will do! No lemon juicer? A fork and a bit of squeezing works too.
Don't let kit hold you back from making these Easy Lemon Bar Recipe . Right, now we have everything we need for a proper Sunshine Bake Recipe ! Let's get baking!
Alright, let's get cracking! Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ? Sounds absolutely smashing! Think sunshine on a plate the perfect pick-me-up for a rainy Tuesday or a delightful addition to a garden party.
I'm ready to unveil my take on these creamy lemon dessert delights.
Cooking Magic: Crafting the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Okay, so let's dive in. Ever had a day where you just needed a bit of oomph ? That's where these zesty lemon bars come in.
I have been working on my Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe for a long time, so let's go over the process.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place : First things first, get everything measured out. Honestly, nothing's worse than realizing you're out of sugar halfway through! Soften your 16 ounces (454g) cream cheese . Cube your ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter and keep it cold .
- Time Saving Organization Tips : Before you even think about preheating the oven, line that 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Makes life so much easier later.
- Safety Reminders : No one wants a trip to A&E! When zesting your lemons, watch your knuckles. A Microplane is your friend, not your foe.
step-by-step to Sunshine Bars
- Crust Time : Whisk 1 ½ cups (192g) flour , ½ cup (100g) sugar , and ½ teaspoon (3g) salt . Cut in your cold butter till it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bind it All : Add 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water . Mix until just combined.
- Press and Chill : Press that dough into your prepared pan. Chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Pre-Bake : Preheat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Prick the crust with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cream Cheese Magic : Beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup (200g) sugar until smooth. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream , 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice , and 2 teaspoons (10ml) zest .
- Flour Power : Gently mix in 2 tablespoons (24g) flour .
- Bake Time : Pour that lovely filling over the crust and bake for 35- 40 minutes . You want a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and Chill : Let it cool completely , then chill for at least 2 hours .
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Cheese Bars Game
- Cold Butter is Non-Negotiable : Seriously, don't skip the cold butter for the crust! It makes all the difference.
- Avoid Overbaking : No one likes a dry, cracked Cream Cheese Bars . Aim for that slight jiggle.
- make-ahead Magic : These Sunshine Bake Recipe wonders actually taste better the next day. So, get ahead and bake them the day before.
There you have it, my friend! My guide to making the most divine Lemon Shortbread Bars . Whip up a batch of these Easy Lemon Bar Recipe , and you'll be everyone's favourite baker.
Trust me, you will be reaching for this Cream Cheese Bars recipe whenever you need a win.
Recipe Notes for Your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Right then, let’s chat about some handy notes for these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe . Honestly, even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few insider tips, you know? And these sunshine bake goodies are no exception!
Serving Ideas: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, first things first, presentation. A simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonders. But for extra pizzazz, try arranging the Cheese Bars on a platter with some fresh berries.
A sprig of mint never hurts either. Feeling fancy? Dollop some whipped cream and a Lemon Cream Cheese swirl on top.
Pair these Zesty Lemon Bars with a glass of iced tea. Now that's summer sorted!
Storage Know How: Keep 'Em Fresh!
These bars are best kept in the fridge. They'll happily last for 3-4 days in an airtight container. I reckon that if you want to keep them longer, freezing is your friend.
Just wrap individual bars tightly in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months.
To reheat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Honestly, they're lovely cold too.
Variations Galore: Switching Things Up
Fancy a twist? For a gluten-free option, swap the regular flour in the crust for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy! Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a different citrus.
Lime Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ? Oh my gosh, yes! During the autumn, mix a dash of pumpkin spice in the crust to create a nice fall theme.
Nutrition Snippets: Guilt Free Treats?
Right, let's get real. These Lemon shortbread bars aren't exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, eh? Each bar has approximately 280 calories , 4 grams of protein , 18 grams of fat , 27 grams of carbohydrates , and 17 grams of sugar .
They offer a bit of calcium from the Lemon Cream Cheese , but the real benefit? Pure, unadulterated happiness!
So there you have it! A few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you whip up the most delicious Cream Cheese Bars ever.
Now go on, get baking and share the sunshine! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Lemon Cream Cheese Bars crack on top? Is it a sign that I've made a right hash of it?
Cracking usually means the bars were overbaked or the oven temperature was too high. Aim for a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out they'll continue to set as they cool. Think of it like a good custard; you don't want it completely firm in the oven!
Can I make these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these bars are even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Perfect for prepping ahead for a garden party or afternoon tea.
My crust is a bit of a disaster, any tips for getting it just right?
Cold butter is the name of the game! Make sure your butter is properly chilled and cut into small cubes before mixing it with the flour. Also, don't overmix the dough. Mix until just combined and then chill it for at least 30 minutes.
This will prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tender, crumbly crust.
Can I freeze these Zesty Lemon Dream Cream Cheese Bars?
Yes, you can! Once the bars are completely cooled and chilled, cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. They’ll taste as fresh as a daisy!
Can I use bottled lemon juice, or does it absolutely have to be fresh for these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Fresh lemon juice will definitely give you the best and brightest lemon flavor, like a ray of sunshine in every bite. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it often lacks the same vibrant zest. If you do use bottled juice, you might want to add a little extra lemon zest to compensate for the difference.
I'm not a huge fan of lemon; can I substitute the lemon in these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars for another citrus fruit?
Of course! Lime would be a fantastic substitute for the lemon in this recipe for a Key Lime Cream Cheese Bar variation. Orange or grapefruit would also work beautifully, each adding its own unique flavor profile.
Just make sure to adjust the zest and juice amounts accordingly to match the acidity and intensity of the citrus you choose.
Zesty Lemon Dream Cream Cheese Bars A Sunshine B
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |
