Description
Lemon Delight Bars are a luscious, creamy dessert featuring a buttery crumbly crust topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese filling. These easy-to-make bars combine the rich texture of cream cheese with bright lemon zest and juice, baked to perfection and lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
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
For Dusting
- Extra powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust base.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. This step ensures a firm foundation for the lemon filling.
- Make the filling: While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the hot crust evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges have become slightly golden.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar. Slice into 9 bars and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
