Zesty Lemon Cream Bars: Tangy meets creamy in this irresistible dessert

Introduction

Lemon bars are great, but Lemon Cream Cheese Bars? Now we’re talking a dessert that’s on another level. Think rich, creamy cheesecake meets tangy, zesty lemon bars. This recipe has a buttery crust, a velvety lemon-infused cream cheese layer, and a flavor so vibrant it’ll wake up your taste buds in the best way possible. Whether you're whipping this up for a party, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself (because why not?), these bars are the ultimate sweet and tangy treat.

Key Takeaways:

• Cream cheese and lemon make the dream team of desserts.
• No complicated steps—just bake, layer, and enjoy.
• Perfect for dessert tables, brunches, or late-night snacking.

Photo bySam Miller

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (yes, we’re starting with cake mix—don’t judge)
• 1 large egg (egg-cellent for binding it all together)
• ½ cup melted butter (because butter makes everything better)

For the cream cheese layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened and ready to be whipped into creamy perfection)
• 2 large eggs (more eggs = more richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for that zingy citrus punch)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (we need some sweetness to balance the tang)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. You’ll want this ready to go when the bars are.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until it forms a soft dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan.
3. Cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and remaining eggs, and beat until fully combined and creamy. Pour this luscious lemony cream cheese mixture over the crust.
4. Bake it up: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. (The jiggle means it's going to be creamy!)
5. Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. You can pop them into the fridge to speed things up if patience isn’t your thing.

Photo bySam Miller

Side Dish Ideas

• Fresh Berries: Blueberries or raspberries pair beautifully with these bars.
• Whipped Cream: Add a light, fluffy topping for extra indulgence.
• Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea is the perfect refreshing drink to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbs: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 22g

Prep/Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Photo bySam Miller

Conclusion

There you have it—Lemon Cream Cheese Bars that are so irresistible, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. The bright lemon flavor combined with the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer makes for a perfectly balanced dessert that’s not too sweet, but just right. Whether you’re sharing these at a party or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t tell), one thing’s for sure: these bars are going to be a hit!