Bright, creamy, and irresistibly tangy—these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect fusion of cheesecake richness and refreshing citrus flavor. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, silky lemon-infused cream cheese filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re ideal for spring gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a zesty dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright lemon flavor with a rich cream cheese filling
Easy shortbread crust that holds up beautifully
Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, and family gatherings
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead ready

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups) – Forms the structure of the shortbread crust.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness with a delicate texture.
Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, cold and cubed) – Creates a rich, crumbly base that holds together beautifully after baking.

For the Filling:

Cream Cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened) – The creamy star of the filling; brings that classic cheesecake texture and tang.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the filling and balances the lemon’s tartness.
Eggs (2 large) – Bind the ingredients and give the bars structure.
Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup) – Delivers a punch of fresh citrus flavor.
Lemon Zest (1 tbsp) – Enhances the lemony aroma and depth of flavor.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and rounds out the tart notes.

Optional Toppings:

Thin Lemon Slices – A beautiful garnish for presentation and extra zest.
Powdered Sugar – Lightly dusted for a classic, elegant finish.

Tips and Tricks

Use room temperature cream cheese for a lump-free filling.
Don’t skip the chill time—it ensures the bars firm up properly.
For clean slices, wipe your knife between each cut.
Use a microplane for zesting lemons without the bitter pith.

Variations and Customizations

Berry Lemon Bars: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the filling.
Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the shortbread crust for a graham cracker base.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Lemon-Lime Twist: Add lime juice and zest for a citrus blend.

Pairing Suggestions

Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combo
Espresso or black coffee to cut through the richness
Light fruit salad as a brunch side

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars

Print Recipe

Description

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – A sunny, sweet-tangy treat with a buttery shortbread crust and luscious lemon cream cheese filling. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings—easy to make, impossible to resist!

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
Thin lemon slices
Powdered sugar dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.

2. Make the Crust

In a food processor, combine flour and powdered sugar.
Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, covering the bottom evenly.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Assemble & Bake

Pour the filling over the partially cooled crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.

5. Cool & Chill

Let bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

6. Slice & Serve

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang.
Slice into clean, even squares.
Garnish with lemon slices and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Notes

This recipe is a reader favorite for spring and summer, thanks to its bright lemon flavor, creamy texture, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these lemon cream cheese bars offer bakery-quality taste with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American