Lemon Cheese Bars(Makes 24 To 36 Bars)
Lemon Cheese Bars offer a delightful balance of tart lemon flavor and creamy cheese, with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/3 cup oil until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of these crumbs for topping.
- Pat the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 egg until light and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crumb base.
- Sprinkle with the reserved 1 cup of crumbs.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a lemon cake mix instead of yellow. If you don’t have Wesson oil, melted butter or coconut oil can work as substitutes. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easier blending. For a zesty twist, add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This recipe is similar to American recipes that feature refreshing citrus flavors, like Pumpkin Souffle Crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cheese bars are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with a refreshing iced tea or lemon-infused drink for a perfect summer treat. They also make a fantastic dessert alongside Butter Brickle And Peach Dessert at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving. This helps preserve their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cheese Bars(Makes 24 To 36 Bars) contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, but lemon or yellow mixes are the best for achieving the desired citrus flavor. Chocolate or vanilla mixes can also work, but the overall taste will differ significantly from the original recipe.
How do I ensure my cream cheese mixture is smooth?
To achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Beat it thoroughly with the sugar and lemon juice until smooth, which helps eliminate any lumps. If needed, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content in any additional ingredients so that the bars maintain their structure.
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).