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Juicy Mouthwatering Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Whenever I think of the perfect summer dessert, my mind instantly goes to these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. There’s something about the combination of tangy lemon and creamy goodness that just makes my tastebuds dance! I remember the first time I made these for a family picnic. Everyone was raving about them—my cousin even tried to sneak back for more when he thought nobody was watching (I totally saw you, Mike!). It’s that good, trust me!
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up while still delivering that wow factor. It’s like a little slice of sunshine on a plate—you can’t help but feel cheerful when you take a bite! So, let’s get started, shall we?
What’s in Juicy Mouthwatering Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
- All-purpose flour (2 cups total): This is the backbone of our crust and filling. I usually grab the King Arthur brand—it’s always reliable!
- Powdered sugar (½ cup + dusting): Adds the perfect sweetness and smooth texture to the crust and finishing touch.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives the crust its rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, margarine can work too.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to enhance the flavors!
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the filling! I love the Philadelphia brand, as it always blends smoothly.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens up the filling beautifully!
- Eggs (2 large): They help bind everything together for that lovely custardy feel.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Squeeze those juicy lemons for the freshest flavor! About 2 will do.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): For that extra zesty kick—it’s like capturing sunshine in a bite!
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Complements the lemon perfectly—don’t skip this one!
- More all-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Just a little helps to stabilize the filling.
- Fresh lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs: For garnish—because we eat with our eyes first!
Is Juicy Mouthwatering Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits (and considerations) of our fabulous lemon bars. The star component, lemons, are rich in vitamin C, which is fantastic for boosting your immune system. Plus, they add a refreshing zing that brightens any dish! Cream cheese does have its fair share of calories and fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation (I find it hard to stop at just one!).
On the flip side, these bars do tend to be on the sweeter side due to the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, you might want to enjoy a smaller piece or save them for a special occasion! Overall, they’re a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet every now and then.
Ingredients List
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh mint sprigs
How to Make Juicy Mouthwatering Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crust ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup softened butter, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly and holds together. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake your crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden and is slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until well incorporated. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, followed by the flour until just combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake in the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The top should be golden and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Dust: Remove your bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan at room temperature. Once completely cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar.
- Serve: Cut into squares and garnish each with a slice of fresh lemon and a sprig of mint. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!
Let’s Talk About Your Bars!
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a whole experience! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!). For an unexpected flavor twist, why not mix a little lemon zest into the crust for an extra zing? Perfect for gatherings, family picnics, or as a refreshing treat on warm days!
I encourage you to try these out and let me know how they turn out. Feel free to add your own flair or share your experiences in the comments. Trust me; you’ll be the talk of your next get-together!
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