Description
Bright, creamy, and bursting with sunshine, these Buttery Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine a velvety lemon curd top, a luscious cream cheese center, and a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth. They’re the zesty slice of joy you never knew you needed.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Lemon Curd Layer:
- 1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Press Crust and Bake Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a uniform layer. Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling While the crust is cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the large egg and continue to beat until just combined. Ensure there are no lumps in the filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Add Lemon Curd Layer Carefully spoon dollops of lemon curd on top of the cream cheese layer. Gently spread the lemon curd with a spatula or the back of a spoon. For a marbled effect, use a toothpick or knife to swirl the lemon curd into the cream cheese filling.
Step 7: Bake Again Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the filling appears firm. The center may still have a slight jiggle.
Step 8: Cool and Chill Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to set properly.
Step 9: Slice and Serve Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 16 equal squares.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buttery Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the tangy zest of lemon curd and the creamy richness of cream cheese. The buttery shortbread crust adds a perfect textural contrast. They are relatively easy to make and are always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Add Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
- Serve with Hot Tea or Iced Coffee: These bars pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or iced coffee, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a better texture in the filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can cause the cream cheese filling to crack. Bake until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Marbled Effect: To achieve a marbled effect, gently swirl the lemon curd with a toothpick or knife after spooning it onto the cream cheese layer.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours is essential for them to set properly and be easier to slice.
- Store Properly: Store the chilled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutrition Information
(Per Bar, approximate)
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 70mg
Conclusion
These Buttery Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will brighten any occasion. With their easy preparation and stunning presentation, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the sunshine in every bite!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust? A: Yes, you can substitute the shortbread crust with a graham cracker crust or a cookie crust if you prefer. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.
Q3: Can I use store-bought lemon curd? A: Absolutely! Using store-bought lemon curd is a convenient option. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Q4: How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from cracking? A: To prevent cracking, avoid overbaking the bars. Bake until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Also, let the bars cool gradually in the oven before transferring them to the refrigerator.
Q5: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight freezer container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
