Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. The graham cracker crust gives the perfect crunch, while the smooth, lemony filling brings that refreshing citrus flavor everyone loves. 🍋
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If you're a fan of desserts that offer a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy indulgence, then these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are about to become your new favorite! 🍋
With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling infused with fresh lemon, and just a hint of vanilla, these bars are a showstopper. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!
The Perfect Balance: These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The tangy lemon filling pairs beautifully with the buttery graham cracker crust, creating a delightful contrast that is sure to please anyone with a love for citrus desserts. Whether you’re craving something refreshing after a big meal or just looking for a sweet snack, these bars deliver a delicious punch of flavor in every bite.
Easy to Make: Don't be intimidated by the ingredients list; this recipe is actually incredibly simple to make. With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, you’ll have these bars ready in no time. The graham cracker crust comes together with just a few quick steps, and the cream cheese filling requires only a little mixing before it’s ready to go into the oven. There’s no need for complicated techniques, so even beginner bakers can confidently whip up this dessert.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: The creamy filling is what truly makes these bars stand out. Thanks to the cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), the filling is smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of dense. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brings in a burst of citrus flavor, cutting through the richness of the cream cheese for a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
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How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Equipment Needed:
Making these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is simple, but a few tools will ensure your bars turn out just right:
2-quart baking pan (or 8x8-inch size)
Mixing bowls (for the graham cracker crust and the cream cheese filling)
Electric hand mixer (for smooth, creamy filling)
Citrus zester (for zesting the lemons)
Offset spatula (to smooth the filling)
Heavy-bottomed glass or spoon (for pressing the crust)
Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Plastic wrap or foil (for covering and chilling)
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
If you’re crushing the graham crackers yourself, it’s about 12 graham crackers.
Stir until all the crumbs are coated and the mixture is well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Use a heavy-bottomed glass or the back of a spoon to press down and compact it slightly.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
I usually whip for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Mix in the sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Continue to mix until everything is combined, and the filling is smooth and velvety.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust.
Use a offset spatula to smooth out the top so it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
It will firm up more as it cools.
Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly cracked for about 15 minutes.
This helps prevent cracking.
Cool & Chill:
After the 15-minute cooling time, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cool, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) to let the flavors develop and the filling fully set.
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Serve:
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and garnish with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. The graham cracker crust gives the perfect crunch, while the smooth, lemony filling brings that refreshing citrus flavor everyone loves. Plus, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a summer party or just a sweet snack to enjoy at home! 🍋
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How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
After preparing and chilling your bars, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
If you're making them ahead of time, storing them overnight will actually allow the flavors to meld and develop even further, making them even more delicious!
How Long Will Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Last?
These bars are best enjoyed within 5 days of baking, though they’ll be at their freshest within the first 2-3 days. The creamy filling and graham cracker crust stay wonderfully intact when stored properly, so don’t worry about them getting soggy or stale too quickly.
If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Just be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing, and thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Possible Ingredient Substitutions or Variations
Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: If you prefer Greek yogurt over sour cream, feel free to make that swap in this recipe! The yogurt will give the filling a slight tanginess while maintaining that creamy texture. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little extra protein!
Add Fresh Berries for Extra Flavor: Looking to jazz up your bars? Try adding a handful of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, on top of the bars before baking. The berries will soften and release their juices as the bars bake, creating a beautiful, fruity swirl throughout the filling.
Graham Cracker Crust Variations: While graham cracker crust is classic, you can get creative by using different types of cookies! Try using digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even coconut cookies for a twist.
Lemon Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different citrus fruits! Try substituting lemon juice and zest with lime or orange juice for a fresh, new take on the recipe. The filling will still be creamy and luscious but with a whole new flavor profile!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making them a day or two in advance is ideal because it allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
Q: Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust. Just be sure to skip the step of making the graham cracker mixture and follow the rest of the instructions as written.
Q: How do I prevent cracking on the top of my bars?
A: To prevent cracks in your bars, let them cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 15 minutes after baking. This gradual cooling process helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can lead to cracks. Also, make sure you don’t over-bake them – the filling should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out.
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Tips & Tricks
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest cream cheese filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps in the filling.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling time! These bars need to cool completely in the fridge to firm up and set properly, allowing the flavors to develop.
Garnish for Extra Touch: Top your bars with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a pop of color and added citrus fragrance.
Ready to Bake?
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the answer. Their creamy texture, tangy flavor, and easy prep make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment!), this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I'd love to hear from you! If you’ve tried this recipe, drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips. And if you’re loving this recipe, share it on social media with your friends and family!
Happy Baking! —Xoxo Chyna B 🍋
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a tangy lemon filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating the perfect balance of creamy and citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all the crumbs are coated and the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use a heavy-bottomed glass or the back of a spoon to press down and compact it slightly.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Mix in the sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to mix until everything is combined, and the filling is smooth and velvety.
- Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up more as it cools.
- Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly cracked for about 15 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
- Cool & Chill: After the 15-minute cooling time, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) to let the flavors develop and the filling fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and garnish with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For extra lemony flavor: Add a few extra teaspoons of lemon zest to the filling or sprinkle on top for an added citrus burst.
- These bars are perfect for making a day or two ahead of time. They store well in the fridge and even taste better the next day!
- Read the entire blog post for more in-depth instructions on creating this yummy recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
300Fat
20 gSat. Fat
11 gCarbs
27 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
27 gSugar
22 gProtein
5 gSodium
185 mgCholesterol
90 mgAny nutritional information on chynabsweets.com should only be used as a general guideline as this information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
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