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.
