If you’re craving a bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy treat, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a buttery sugar cookie crust hugging a luscious lemon-infused cream cheese layer that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. These bars come together with simple ingredients but deliver a dessert experience that feels indulgent and refreshing all at once. Whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or just treating yourself, they promise vibrant lemon flavor with a texture that’s both smooth and tender—you’ll want to make these over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the fresh zing of lemon zest, every element combines to create a beautiful balance of flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: This forms the buttery, sweet crust, providing a sturdy base with a tender bite.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich, smooth texture and balances the lemon’s brightness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer just enough without overpowering the citrus notes.
- Egg: Binds the cream cheese mixture together, giving these bars a nice, firm set.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cream cheese layer for perfect slicing.
- Lemon zest: Packs a concentrated lemon aroma and flavor punch.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings natural acidity that brightens and lifts the entire dessert.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect dusting to add sweetness and a pretty finish before serving.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. Take the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and press it evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This base will bake up into a crisp yet tender crust that supports the luscious lemon cream topping perfectly. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes to set it just right.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese mixture
While the crust is baking, grab a medium bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until silky smooth. This step is important because it ensures your filling will be creamy and free of lumps. Then, mix in the egg, flour, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and the batter looks glossy and thick.
Step 3: Combine and bake
Once your crust is out of the oven, pour the cream cheese mixture over it and spread it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the edges are just turning golden. This slow baking process creates a luscious, rich filling that holds its shape without being dry.
Step 4: Cool and chill
Allow the lemon cream cheese bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least 1 hour is key—it helps the bars firm up perfectly for clean slices and intensifies the refreshing lemon flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate these bars from delicious to absolutely stunning. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a delicate sweetness and pretty finish, but you can also add thin lemon slices or edible flowers for a pop of color and an extra touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Because these bars are rich but fresh, they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a brunch or dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the citrus notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these bars into small bite-sized squares to serve as party finger food. Alternatively, layering two bars with whipped cream and berry compote makes for a delightful mini-trifle that guests will adore. These lemon cream cheese bars are versatile and work well on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled maintains their creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
Because these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—the filling should be creamy, not hot, so watch closely to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of refrigerated sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize the crust to your taste, but using store-bought keeps it quick and easy while still delicious.
How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from cracking?
Be sure to beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth without over-whipping, and avoid baking at too high a temperature. The gentle, moderate oven heat helps keep the filling creamy and crack-free.
Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?
To make vegan or dairy-free adaptations, try using vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute for the crust. However, texture and flavor might vary slightly from the original recipe.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before slicing?
Yes! Chilling the bars for at least an hour makes slicing much easier and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite perfect.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the lemon zest or add a few drops of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture to boost the citrus punch according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is a wonderful crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any baker to tackle but tastes like a dessert from a fancy bakery. Every bite gives you that dreamy combo of tangy, creamy, and sweet with a buttery crust backing it all up. I can’t recommend making these enough—go ahead, grab the ingredients, and enjoy the delightful burst of lemony goodness that will brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth with ease.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars combine the buttery richness of a sugar cookie crust with a tangy, creamy lemon filling, creating a delightful and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (16.5-ounce) roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: Press the refrigerated sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust layer. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, flour, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until all ingredients are fully combined and the filling is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the partially baked sugar cookie crust. Spread it out to cover the entire crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing into squares.
- Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Enjoy your luscious lemon cream cheese bars!
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a few drops of lemon extract to the filling.
- These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
