Lemon Cream Bars
Lemon Cream Bars offer a zesty, creamy treat with a buttery crumbly crust, perfect for citrus lovers and ideal for casual gatherings or dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the lemon pudding cake mix, egg, and oil, mixing until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture.
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon extract to the reserved crumbs and set aside.
- Pat the remaining crumbs into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons lemon extract until light and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved lemon-flavored crumbs over the cream cheese layer.
- Combine cinnamon and nuts (if using) and sprinkle over the crumb topping.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute some with a sugar alternative. For added flavor, consider mixing in a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have lemon extract, fresh lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but reduce the quantity slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lemon cream bars chilled for a refreshing dessert. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Consider serving alongside a light salad like Aunt Willie's Salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy with a cup of tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon cream bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm. This keeps the cream cheese layer creamy and delicious without compromising texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cream Bars contains roughly 280 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 21g 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 freeze lemon cream bars?
Yes, you can freeze lemon cream bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).