If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s as easy as it is dazzling, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are your new best friend. Imagine a golden, buttery crust and crumbly topping wrapped around a silky, lemony cream cheese center—each bite delivers that perfect balance of tang and sweetness. They come together with minimal effort, thanks to clever shortcuts, yet the end result feels homemade and special. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or looking for a simple dessert that’ll wow your dinner guests, these bars rise to every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is how a short list of basic ingredients can transform into something absolutely irresistible. Each ingredient adds its own splash of flavor or critical texture, and together, they build a dessert that’s vibrant, creamy, and deeply comforting.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): It forms the sturdy, sweet base and gives these bars an appealingly soft crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture, while helping bind the crust and topping.
- Large egg (for crust): Helps hold the cake mix crust together, lending just the right amount of lift.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The velvety heart of the filling; choose full fat for the best creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Blends smoothly into the filling, delivering sweetness without graininess.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Packs a punch of bright, natural citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed is best!
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brings fragrant, aromatic lemon oils that take the tanginess up a notch.
- Large egg (for filling): Gives the cream cheese layer a cheesecake-like set and creamy richness.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step makes sure the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars release cleanly, leaving every bit intact for serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Crust and Topping
In a large bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. The mix will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed. This quick combination serves as both the base and the topping, so there’s virtually no fuss—just flavor.
Step 3: Press in the Crust
Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and press it evenly into the greased baking dish. Use clean hands or the back of a spoon to create a level, compact base. This layer will bake up sturdy, supporting that luscious cream cheese filling.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining egg. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and glossy. This is where all the bright, tangy flavor comes together!
Step 5: Assemble and Add the Topping
Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. Then, take the reserved cake mix crumble and sprinkle it gently over the filling. As it bakes, it creates a golden, crumbly blanket.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center just barely jiggles. Cooling the bars completely is key—they’ll firm up and slice much more cleanly when chilled.
Step 7: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan. Then transfer to the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing into neat squares. The wait is worth it: you’ll get perfectly shaped Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, every time.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Garnishes
For that bakery-style finish, dust your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a gentle shower of powdered sugar right before serving. If you love a touch of elegance, add delicate strips of extra lemon zest or a few fresh berries for color and zing.
Side Dishes
These bars are a joy on their own but truly shine when paired with fresh seasonal berries or a cup of hot herbal tea. For a summertime treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars tier-style on a decorative cake stand for a party centerpiece, or wrap individual servings with parchment and a bright ribbon for sweet, portable dessert gifts. For brunch, cut the bars into small triangles and arrange with fresh edible flowers for an eye-catching platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some bars for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and layer them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these bars—Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are at their creamy best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, let them sit out for 15 minutes or gently microwave for just a few seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for the crust?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, you can try white or even lemon cake mix for a twist. Just keep in mind that different cake mixes might slightly alter the sweetness and texture.
How can I make these bars more lemony?
For a bolder citrus kick, add extra lemon zest or even a few drops of pure lemon extract to the filling. Taste as you go—you can really make these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars your own.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow or lemon cake mix. Check all packaging to ensure it’s fully allergen-friendly, and the bars will still turn out delicious.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat cream cheese if you wish, but the filling may be a bit less creamy and rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives Lemon Cream Cheese Bars their classic dense, cheesecake-like texture.
Why do the bars need to be chilled before slicing?
Chilling gives the cream cheese filling time to set up properly, so you’ll get clean, firm cuts instead of messy squares. Plus, the flavors come alive when the bars are cold!
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright joyful about sharing a batch of homemade Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, and once you try them, they’re bound to become a cherished go-to for any sweet occasion. Make them once, and you’ll see why everyone falls in love with their bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible ease. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful classic dessert!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tangy sweetness of these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars that marry the zesty flavors of lemon with a creamy cheesecake filling, all atop a buttery cake mix crust. A simple yet delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare crust: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg until crumbly. Press two-thirds into the pan for crust.
- Make filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, lemon juice, zest, and egg. Pour over crust.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining cake mix mixture over filling. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate.
Notes
- Enhance the lemon flavor by adding extra zest or lemon extract to the filling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
