Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars.Photo byJustina Price

Lemon Bars are one of those delicious treats that are a staple for any potluck. They are the perfect dessert for Sunday dinners, and a beautiful addition to afternoon teas. They are one of my family’s favorites, and I have tried several recipes.

Some recipes take a lot of time to prepare, using a shortbread or graham cracker crust and covered with a custard like filling.

This easy recipe is simple and quick, using a box cake mix, fresh lemon and just a few ingredients. Make these bars ahead of time and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, they will cut better when they're cold and hold their shape for a pretty display.

First gather your ingredients.

IngredientsPhoto byJustina Price

7 x 11" baking pan sprayed with vegetable oil.

1 box yellow or lemon cake mix.

2 eggs

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 large lemon zested.

Lemon ZestPhoto byJustina Price

Juice from the Lemon

Lemon JuicePhoto byJustina Price

Cream cheese filling

1 8oz. Package of cream cheese (softened)

1 egg

½ cup heavy cream

2 cups of powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, blend together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and lemon juice with half the lemon zest until the mixture is smooth. Spread it evenly in the prepared baking pan and set the pan aside.

Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, lemon zest and juice.Photo byJustina Price

In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer beat the cream cheese until softened, add the eggs and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. Add the remaining lemon zest. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Gently pour the mixture over the top of the cake batter and smooth across the top without blending the mixtures together. The cream cheese layer should cover the cake layer evenly.

cream cheese, egg and powder sugar.Photo byJustina Price

pour cream cheese batter over the cake mixture.Photo byJustina Price

Bake at 350 for 30-35- minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes if necessary. Once cooled cut into squares. Place on a plate to separate, dust the individual squares with powder sugar and enjoy!