These lemon cream cheese bars stand out because they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The recipe features a buttery shortbread-like base, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a perfectly golden crumble topping. The balance of sweet, tangy, and textured makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Streamlined Recipe, Big Flavor
The key to this recipe’s success is its simplicity. The same dough is used for both the crust and crumble, cutting down on steps and ingredients. The use of fresh lemon zest, rather than extract alone, delivers a bright, natural citrus flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese.
How to Make Them: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in melted butter, one egg, and lemon zest. Press most of the dough into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan and set aside 1 1/4 cups for the crumble. Bake the base until golden at the edges.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, another egg, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Finish and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved dough over the filling. Bake until the center is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely before cutting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
- Parchment Paper is Essential: Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out for clean cuts.
- Boost the Lemon: Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling if you want an extra punch of citrus.
- Cool Completely: Resist cutting warm bars. They need to set fully for best texture and slicing.
These bars are a testament to the idea that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. The combination of textures and flavors makes them remarkably satisfying.
The recipe is a reliable favorite for a reason—it’s easy to execute, consistently delicious, and always disappears quickly.
