Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – Tangy, Creamy, Irresistible!

Bright, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect citrusy dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust and a silky lemon cream cheese filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Dust with powdered sugar and you’ve got an elegant treat that’s great for spring, brunches, picnics—or anytime you need a little sunshine on your plate.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Lusciously creamy lemon filling
✔ Buttery shortbread-style crust
✔ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔ Great for make-ahead desserts
✔ Perfect for slicing and sharing

Tangy lemon cream cheese bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a dusting of powdered sugar.

📋 Recipe Categories

Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Method: Baking
Difficulty: Easy

⏱️ Cooking & Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 9–12 bars (depending on cut size)

🍽️ Equipment Needed

✅ 9×9-inch baking pan (or 8×8-inch for thicker bars)
✅ Mixing bowls
✅ Hand mixer or stand mixer
✅ Rubber spatula or spoon
✅ Zester and citrus juicer
✅ Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
✅ Oven

🧾 Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
½ cup granulated sugar (remaining from the total 1 cup)
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

For the Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour gradually until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is baking, beat together the cream cheese and remaining ½ cup sugar until smooth.
Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined but do not overbeat.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again

Once the crust is pre-baked, remove from the oven.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set (it may still jiggle slightly).

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

💡 Tips & Variations

Extra Lemony: Add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest for more zing.
Pan Size Options: Use an 8×8-inch for extra-thick bars or 9×13-inch for thinner ones (adjust baking time accordingly).
Cut Clean Slices: Chill well before slicing, and wipe the knife between cuts for neat bars.
Add Berries: A few fresh blueberries or raspberries pressed into the filling before baking add a fruity twist.

❄️ Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze well-wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance for parties or gatherings.