Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe

If you love a burst of bright, tangy flavor with a lush, creamy texture, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. These bars perfectly marry a crisp graham cracker crust with a velvety lemon-infused cream cheese filling that’s just sweet enough to make your taste buds sing. They’re refreshing, indulgent, and effortlessly elegant—a dessert that turns every baking day into a celebration. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon treat or a party centerpiece, these bars are guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery crust that offers a satisfying crunch to the bright lemon zest and juice that infuse the filling with fresh citrus zing. Let’s break down what you need to make these irresistible bars.

Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): The base of the crust that brings a light, slightly sweet crunch.
Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Ensures the crust sticks together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons for crust, ½ cup for filling): Sweetens both crust and filling perfectly without overpowering the lemon.
Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Creates the creamy, luscious texture that makes the bars so indulgent.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the filling and give it that wonderful firmness after baking.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
Lemon zest of 1 lemon: Adds fresh citrus oils for an aromatic punch.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (½ cup): The star ingredient giving those bright, tangy notes throughout the filling.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Optional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when the crust mixture is combined. Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with baking paper—that makes lifting out the bars a breeze later on. Then, toss together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until everything is evenly moistened and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into your pan to create an even, compact base. Bake it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant, then set it aside to cool slightly while you make the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Using an electric mixer (or a vigorous hand whisk if you’re feeling strong), beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add the remaining ½ cup sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything with the cream cheese until the mixture is silky and perfectly combined. The fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the filling, balancing the sweetness with a fresh citrus punch that’s just unforgettable.

Step 3: Bake and Set

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over your baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Slide the pan back into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for the filling to be set but still have a gentle jiggle when you give it a shake—that signals a delightfully creamy texture once cooled. When baked, let it come to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is essential because it helps the bars firm up for clean, beautiful slices.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar if you like a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish. Cut into squares and prepare for compliments aplenty. These bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, creamy and crunchy—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snowy touch. You can also top the bars with thin lemon slices, fresh berries, or a sprig of mint to bring a pop of color and freshness. Each garnish complements the vibrant lemon flavor and elevates the dessert visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a simple dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the citrus tang. For a beverage match, try a cup of hot tea or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshingly harmonious pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, make mini versions by using a mini muffin tin or slice the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter for parties. Layering these bars with fresh fruit or berry coulis in individual glasses creates an elegant parfait-style dessert. They’re also fantastic wrapped individually for gifting or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cutting, store the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining their creamy texture and fresh lemon flavor. Chilling them also helps retain that perfect sliceability with minimal crumbs.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for a cool, creamy treat that tastes almost as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

Because these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. Serve them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended because it provides a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that makes a big difference in this recipe. Store-bought lemon juice often lacks that fresh zing and can alter the overall taste.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you can’t find graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies work well as a substitute and will maintain that buttery, crispy crust texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. This jiggle ensures the filling stays creamy after chilling instead of becoming dry or rubbery.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham-style crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies, and ensure any other ingredients are gluten-free. The results will still be delicious.

Is it possible to make these bars ahead for a party?

Yes, they’re actually perfect for making a day in advance. Prepare and bake the bars, chill them overnight, and slice right before serving. This helps enhance the flavor and texture, making your party prep easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that hits the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, creamy and crunchy, the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple to make, wonderfully refreshing, and sure to impress whether you’re treating family or entertaining friends. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how this little bar delivers big flavor with every bite!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 16 bars (cut into 16 squares) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and zest, they make a refreshing dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes crumbly and well mixed.
Form and bake the crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
Add remaining filling ingredients: Add ½ cup sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt to the cream cheese. Beat everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly before cutting into squares.
Serve: Just before serving, optionally dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Chilling the bars helps them set and makes cutting easier.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or similar crunchy cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American