Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

These cream cheese lemon bars are bright, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a smooth lemon filling and finished with a soft cream cheese glaze that takes these bars beyond the classic version. They’re an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want a dependable lemon dessert.

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Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

Buttery lemon bars with a smooth citrus filling and a creamy cream cheese glaze. A slightly richer twist on classic lemon bars, perfect for parties and make-ahead desserts.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• 4 large eggs beaten
• 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 8 ounce cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1/3 cup canned milk or cream
• 1 dash salt
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Make the Crust

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

  In a bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar, and flour until a soft dough forms.

  Press evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan.

  Bake for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

Make the Lemon Filling

• In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, lemon juice, baking powder, sugar, and flour until smooth.

  Pour filling over the hot crust.

  Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until set.

Make the Glaze

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

  Add milk and salt.

  Gradually mix in powdered sugar until a spreadable glaze forms.

Finish

• For a more traditional lemon bar, omit the cream cheese glaze and dust with powdered sugar instead.

  These bars slice best once fully chilled.

  Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Drop globs of glaze over bars. Spread glaze over warm lemon bars for easier spreading.

  Cool completely, then refrigerate until set before slicing.