Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Buttery shortbread, creamy lemon filling, and that perfect sweet-tart balance—these lemon cream cheese bars are the kind of dessert everyone asks for the recipe. Simple ingredients, foolproof method, and absolutely irresistible.
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¾ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice about 2–3 lemons
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prep the pan and oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly grease.
- Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, mix butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms. You can also do this in a food processor or a handheld mixer. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Mix in flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla.
- Bake: Pour filling over the warm crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool and chill: Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve: Lift bars out using the parchment or foil. Slice into squares, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
Elena’s Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice only—this is where the flavor shines.
- Let bars chill fully before slicing for sharp, bakery-style edges.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a touch more zest on top before serving.
- Make ahead: These bars are best made a day in advance.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze sliced bars (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and dust before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 20g | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
