Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add in the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Make the Lemon Topping:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Bake the Bars:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Cool and Chill:
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
Cut and Serve:
Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before cutting into bars. Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!
