If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with creamy indulgence, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These bars feature a buttery, tender crust made from a simple yellow cake mix, topped with a luscious lemon-infused cream cheese filling, and finished with a crumbly topping that adds just the right amount of texture. The zing of fresh lemon juice and zest shines beautifully throughout, making every bite a refreshing and comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, or that perfect golden color. Using straightforward pantry staples, you can whip up a dessert that tastes far fancier than it looks.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides the buttery, crumbly base and topping with a familiar, soft cake flavor that everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust and topping for that perfect crisp and tender texture.
- Eggs (2 large): One binds the crust and crumb topping, while the other lends structure and creaminess to the filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient for creamy, tangy filling that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Smooth sweetness that blends flawlessly into the cream cheese filling for a velvety finish.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a bright, fresh acidity that wakes up the entire dessert.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic citrus oils that amplify the lemon flavor without extra acidity.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly yet holds together. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, forming an even crust that will deliver a satisfying buttery crunch beneath the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth with no lumps. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the second egg, beating continuously. The filling should become creamy and thick, a perfect balance of tangy and sweet that will contrast beautifully with the crust and topping layers.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top to create a delightful, slightly crunchy topping. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn a light golden color and the center is just set, slightly firm to the touch but still creamy underneath.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least one hour is key to setting the filling properly, which makes slicing clean, pretty bars a breeze. Once chilled, cut into squares, serve, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a thin twist of lemon zest on top can add a lovely finishing detail. For an elegant touch, try fresh berries alongside or a light drizzle of lemon glaze. These little extras boost visual appeal and deepen the citrus sensation.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own but pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. A cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade complements the tart-sweet flavor beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving them on a pretty dessert tray for a party or cut into mini squares for bite-size treats. Layer them in dessert parfaits with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for seasonal celebrations. Their bright yellow hue adds an instant pop of sunshine to any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some freshly made bars, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep their creamy texture and vibrant flavor well for up to five days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep their perfect texture intact.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, avoid microwaving, which can melt the filling and change the texture. Instead, let them sit out for about 15 minutes if you want a slightly softer bite, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cake mix for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe?
While yellow cake mix is recommended for its flavor and color, you can experiment with white or even lemon-flavored cake mixes for varying results. Each will slightly alter the taste and appearance but can create delicious variations.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling helps the lemon cream cheese filling set firmly, making slicing easier and preventing the bars from falling apart. It also enhances the texture and flavor melding for a more enjoyable dessert experience.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and a butter alternative, you can make a version suitable for dairy-free diets. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor might differ slightly from the classic recipe.
What is the best way to get extra lemon flavor?
Adding more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the filling amps up the citrus punch without increasing acidity. Be cautious not to overdo it, or the filling may become too tart.
How do these bars compare to traditional lemon bars?
Unlike traditional lemon bars with a shortbread crust and a smooth curd filling, these bars use a cake mix for a lighter, crumbly crust and topping, paired with a rich cream cheese lemon filling. This gives them a unique texture and flavor that’s equally delicious and a bit more indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered this wonderfully easy and utterly delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to make it your go-to dessert. It’s a perfect mix of tang, creaminess, and buttery crumb all rolled into one stunning bar that’s sure to brighten any day. Give it a try, and trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing the secret with your friends before you know it!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a tangy and creamy dessert experience with a sweet and slightly crunchy crust made from yellow cake mix. The rich cream cheese filling is infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these bars are a delightful treat 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
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is crumbly but combined. Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust layer.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining egg. Beat together until the filling is creamy and well blended.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then crumble the remaining cake mix mixture over the top of the filling as a topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut into 16 bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the filling mixture.
- Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
