Description
Creamy lemon cream cheese squares bring zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Rich, tangy layers melt together, offering cool refreshment that delights you with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish Ingredients:
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Gently fold in fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, and pure vanilla extract, blending until the filling is uniform and fragrant.
- Pour the vibrant citrus-infused filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a level surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for an additional 2-3 hours to set and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
- Cut into clean, precise squares and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pulse ingredients in food processor for ultra-fine, even texture that creates a perfect crisp foundation.
- Add extra citrus zest directly into filling for more intense, bright lemon notes that elevate the entire dessert.
- Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and ensure silky, creamy consistency.
- These bars actually taste better after overnight chilling, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg