Description
Indulgent lemon cream cheese squares bring zesty citrus magic to classic dessert lovers. Creamy, tangy layers meld perfectly with buttery graham cracker crust, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream these ingredients until they achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients form a cohesive dough.
- Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to create an even layer across the bottom.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while maintaining oven temperature.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky smooth texture.
- Introduce egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated.
- Carefully spread the lemon-infused cream cheese filling over the partially cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, looking for a set filling with delicate golden edges.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dessert cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the pan for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the squares to firm up and develop optimal flavor.
- After chilling, slice into neat squares and serve chilled for the most refreshing taste experience.
Notes
- Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free mixing that creates a silky texture.
- For extra zesty flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or use Meyer lemons which provide a sweeter, more delicate citrus profile.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper overhanging the sides for easy removal and clean cutting of squares without sticking.
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding filling to prevent soggy texture and maintain a crisp base layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 61 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg