If you’re searching for a dessert that effortlessly blends creamy, tangy, and sweet notes, look no further than these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. They’re the ultimate pick-me-up treat: a luscious cream cheese filling layered over a soft sugar cookie crust, all highlighted by an irresistible zing of fresh lemon. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a sunny snack with your afternoon tea, these bars are pure joy in every bite, and I promise—once you try them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars! With a short list of familiar, fuss-free ingredients, each one plays its part to ensure these bars have their signature texture and bright flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make each component really shine.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5-ounce roll): This shortcut gives the bars a buttery, tender base without all the extra work of making dough from scratch.
- Cream cheese (8-ounce package, softened): Softened cream cheese creates that ultra-smooth, creamy filling we all know and love. It’s the heart of these bars!
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering the tang from the lemon and cream cheese.
- Large egg (1): The egg helps bind everything and gives the filling its deliciously rich, custard-like texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This small amount thickens the filling just right, so it slices beautifully.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Fresh zest packs bold lemon flavor and aromatic oils—this is where the zing happens!
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): The juice adds bright acidity, balancing the sweetness and lifting every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light cloud of powdered sugar makes the bars look bakery-worthy and adds a sweet touch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven gets ready, either lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little step ensures your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars release beautifully without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Create the Sugar Cookie Crust
Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Use your fingertips or the bottom of a cup to get a smooth, even layer—think of this as the buttery foundation for all the creamy lemon goodness to come. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. It’ll set up just enough to hold the filling but will finish baking with the bars.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
While the crust is in the oven, grab a medium bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until totally smooth and fluffy. Add in the egg, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the filling is creamy and everything’s beautifully combined. Those flecks of lemon zest are little gems of flavor!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once the crust has its head start in the oven, pour your lemon cream cheese mixture over the warm, partially-baked cookie base. Spread it out gently with a spatula for an even, luscious layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are just the faintest golden brown. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly!
Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Slice
When the bars are done, take them out and let them cool completely in the pan. For that perfect creamy texture, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing—this step is crucial for clean edges and a firm bite. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy. Your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are now officially ready to wow!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
For a pretty finish, a simple dusting of powdered sugar goes a long way! You can also top each square with extra lemon zest or even a small, thin lemon wedge for an extra splash of sunshine. If you love a little contrast, a few fresh raspberries or blueberries make these bars look like they just arrived from a pastry shop.
Side Dishes
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side. If you’re serving dessert for a group, consider offering them alongside fresh fruit salad or a tray of assorted cookies for a sweet, crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a high-tea vibe. You could also use mini cupcake liners and place each bar inside for easy, grab-and-go treats. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of white chocolate or a thin lemon glaze over the top before slicing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chill actually enhances their creamy texture and keeps them fresh, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars easily! After chilling and slicing, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment paper to separate layers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer bar, let them sit out for about 10 minutes after removing from the fridge before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough brings an even more personal touch to Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Just prepare your favorite dough and use the same amount called for in the recipe. The results will be just as delicious—maybe even better.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice, or can I use bottled?
Fresh lemon juice is best for these bars, as it’s brighter and less tart than bottled juice. If you’re in a pinch, bottled will work, just keep in mind the flavor may be a little different—fresh really makes the bars stand out.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set, not jiggly. If you gently touch the center and it doesn’t stick to your finger, you’re good to go! Avoid overbaking for that perfect creamy texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the sugar cookie dough and flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. There are some great gluten-free sugar cookie doughs on the market now, or you can make your own at home.
What can I do for extra lemony flavor?
If you love tart desserts, feel free to add a little more lemon zest or even a drop of lemon extract to the filling. Taste as you go—even a small tweak will really amp up the citrus punch of your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is like a little ray of sunshine. They’re creamy, citrusy, and layered with sweet nostalgia, thanks to that sugar cookie crust. If you’re ready for a dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite, grab your ingredients and give these a try—you might just catch yourself making a second batch!
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
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese with these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 (16.5-ounce) roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese 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
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish. Press cookie dough into the bottom to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over baked crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Enhance lemon flavor with extra zest or lemon extract.
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
