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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

A delightful dessert with a buttery shortbread base and a creamy, tangy lemon filling that is perfect for sharing or enjoying with afternoon coffee.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the lemon filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
Baking the crust
  1. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Making the filling
  1. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
Final baking
  1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
  2. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
  3. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

For best results, soften the cream cheese and butter to room temperature. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Chill completely before slicing for clean cuts.