Description
A bright, creamy dessert with a tangy filling and a crisp crust, perfect for parties or quiet snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) melted butter
- 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 small lemons)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Thin lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 or 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until moistened, then press into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and beat until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time and then incorporate lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is mostly set.
- Cool at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Chill fully before cutting to get clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon bars, cream cheese dessert, easy dessert, tangy dessert