why make this recipe
Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese are a delightful dessert that combines zesty lemon flavor with a creamy topping. These bars have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a favorite for gatherings, picnics, or a simple treat at home. With a buttery crust and velvety cream cheese layer, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, they are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
how to make Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from half a lemon)
Directions :
-
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix in the eggs until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Bake the Crust: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
-
Make the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, followed by the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
-
Frost and Cut: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
how to serve Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
Serve the Lemon Bars chilled for the best taste. They can be garnished with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch. These bars are perfect for parties, as they can be easily cut into small squares for serving.
how to store Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
To store Lemon Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week this way. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer.
tips to make Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the bars; this helps the frosting set nicely.
- For added texture, you can add a thin layer of lemon curd under the cream cheese frosting.
variation
You can experiment with different flavors by adding orange or lime zest to give your bars a unique twist. You could also try substituting the cream cheese frosting with a lemon glaze for a lighter topping.
FAQs
Q: Can I use unsweetened cream cheese?
A: Yes, but it might make the bars less sweet. It’s best to use regular cream cheese for a nice balance of flavors.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, you can easily make the crust gluten-free.
Q: How do I know when the crust is done baking?
A: The edges of the crust should be lightly golden, and the center should feel firm to the touch.
