Betty'S Luscious Lemon Bars
Lemon bars with a buttery cake base and tangy lemon filling, perfect for citrus lovers and ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the yellow cake mix, 1 slightly beaten egg, and melted butter together.
- Pat the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 3 slightly beaten eggs, powdered sugar, and lemon extract to the cream cheese and mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F until set and lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce sweetness, consider using less powdered sugar or substituting it with a sugar alternative. Also, feel free to add a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor. To make this a gluten-free treat, you can use a gluten-free cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these luscious lemon bars chilled, dusted with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful contrast, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These bars also make a great addition to summer picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or enjoy them cold. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Luscious Lemon Bars contains roughly 195 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create unique variations of these lemon bars. A vanilla or yellow cake mix works best for maintaining the balance of flavors, but chocolate or even a spice cake mix could add an interesting twist.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt can be used in place of cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cream cheese substitute or silken tofu blended until smooth.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid. They should be lightly golden on top. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).