Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Creamy, tangy, and sweet—these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a graham cracker crust and a bright, lemony filling. Perfect for casual snacking, elegant dessert tables, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 10–12 sheets, crushed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Filling:
- 2 8 oz packages cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons about ¼ cup fresh juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down the bowl to keep it smooth.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries just before serving.