Zesty Delights: Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars Indulge in the zesty delights of Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars, a delightful treat that perfectly balances the brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This recipe offers a harmonious fusion of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crust that provides the perfect foundation. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert to beat the heat or a crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings, these bars are sure to elevate your taste buds and brighten your day. Get ready to savor the zesty delights of Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars.
A Symphony of Flavors
The star of this recipe is the delightful symphony of lemon and cream cheese, creating a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Sweet Moments
Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful ending to any meal.
Substitutions and Variations:
Customize your Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars with these variations:
- Fruit Toppings: Add fresh berries or a fruit compote on top of the cream cheese layer for a burst of color and flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts over the lemon glaze for added texture.
- Citrus Blend: Experiment with different citrus flavors by using lime or orange zest and juice for a unique twist.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style
Now that you’ve experienced the zesty delights of Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars, it’s time to savor the harmonious blend of flavors and the refreshing brightness of this dessert. Share it with friends and family, create memorable moments, and don’t forget to leave a review to let us know how much you relished these delightful bars. Happy savoring!
Tips or Notes:
- Be sure to refrigerate the bars until they are completely chilled before slicing for clean, neat squares.
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon juice and zest to the glaze.
- Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience. However, making it from scratch allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup 1/4 granulated sugar
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces 8 cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup 1/4 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup 1 powdered sugar
2 tablespoons 2 lemon juice
1 tablespoon 1 lemon zest
Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Directions
- For the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the lemon glaze.
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the lemon glaze over the cooled cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until they are completely chilled and the glaze has set.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares.
- If desired, garnish with additional lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve and savor the zesty delights of Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars!
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