Description
These Lemon Delight Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a creamy, tangy lemon cream cheese filling. Perfect as a refreshing dessert, they are easy to make and offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Topping
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. This ensures a firm base for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat the mixture well until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing into 9 bars.
- Serve: Dust the bars with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet and decorative touch.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling mixture.
- Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
