Cream Cheese Lemon Bars: A Zesty, Sweet Delight
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars offer a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness, layered over a soft cake base. These bars are an excellent treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dessert, or simply indulging in a little sweet refreshment. The lemon’s fresh zing perfectly balances the richness of the cream cheese, making these bars irresistibly delicious.
Easy and Elegant
This recipe is straightforward, requiring basic kitchen tools and ingredients, yet the result is a visually appealing and flavorful dessert. The process involves a few simple steps that lead to a wonderfully textured treat with a burst of lemon flavor that is sure to impress.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Chilling time: At least 2 hours
- Serving size: Makes 12-15 bars
- Equipment: 9 x 13 baking pan, mixing bowl
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Serve them at your next gathering or treat yourself to a delightful snack that brightens your day with its lively flavors. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this dessert, which is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 egg (for the crust)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 lemon, grated for peel
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice from 1/2 fresh lemon)
- 2 eggs (for the filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened butter, and one egg. Blend well until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Stir in the grated lemon peel and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of this cream cheese mixture and place it in the refrigerator for later use.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the remaining cream cheese mixture, add the two eggs and vanilla extract. Beat these together until well blended.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour this cream cheese and egg mixture over the crust in the baking pan. Spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, spread the reserved 1/2 cup of cream cheese mixture over the top. This adds an extra layer of creamy texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars until firm, at least 2 hours, to make them easier to slice. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
A Refreshing Treat
These Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are a refreshing and satisfying dessert, with each bite offering a mix of sweet and tart flavors. The creamy topping and zesty lemon create a perfect harmony, making these bars a favorite for all who try them.
