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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a silky, lemon-scented custard, making for a delightful treat that is perfect for sharing or enjoying at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.
  3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Making the filling
  1. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
  3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
  4. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
  5. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

Serve these bars at room temperature for the creamiest texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Dust with extra powdered sugar or lemon zest before serving.