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The Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Indulge in our irresistible lemon cream cheese bars recipe tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake create the perfect dessert treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Microplane or zester for lemon zest
  • Citrus juicer

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
  • Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add sugar and mix until well combined.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time.
  • Add flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top.
  • Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are slightly golden.
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

  • Once chilled, remove from pan and slice into bars.
  • Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Calories: 265 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.