Lemon Bars

Bright, creamy lemon bars made with fresh lemons and lemon cream cheese. A simple, budget-friendly dessert with a buttery crust and tangy filling that sets up beautifully.

Yields: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Special Equipment: 9x9 pan

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter softened

• 8 oz softened cream cheese

• 2–3 lemons (zest and juice)

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Optional: pinch of salt, splash of vanilla extract

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, mix together the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Press the crust mixture firmly into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish.

4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

5. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat the lemon cream cheese until smooth.

6. Add lemon zest and juice (about ¼ cup juice), sugar, eggs, flour, and optional vanilla or salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.

7. Pour the filling over the warm, baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.

8. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully set.

9. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bar