Easy Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Brighten up your dessert game with these luscious Easy Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy decadence! Featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust paired with a velvety lemon-infused cream cheese filling, these bars are a delightfully simple twist on the classic lemon bar recipe. With just 15 minutes of prep time, a hint of fresh lemon zest, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish, this recipe is as easy to make as it is irresistible. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you're craving something sweet yet refreshing, these lemon bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve chilled for the ultimate zesty, creamy treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 0.33 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar (0.5 cups). Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cups granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until the filling is fully combined and smooth.

Step 7

Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.

Step 9

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set fully.

Step 10

Before serving, sprinkle the top of the bars with powdered sugar. Cut into 9 squares and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	884.5 grams (884.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3341

Total Fat 234.80g	301%
Saturated Fat 142.30g	712%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1011mg	337%
Sodium 895mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate 273.60g	99%
Dietary Fiber 6.20g	22%
Total Sugars 126.10g
Protein 47.60g	95%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 365mg	28%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 696mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.2%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 32.2%