Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese on a buttery crust, perfect for a refreshing dessert for gatherings or teatime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix, egg, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a lightly buttered 9 x 13 inch pan, reserving 1 cup of the crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and grated lemon rind until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, a vanilla or even a lemon cake mix can be used as a substitute. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free cake mix to use in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cream cheese bars are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries on top can elevate the presentation. They make a perfect dessert for gatherings or a refreshing treat alongside tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy them cold or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cream Cheese Bars contains roughly 101 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 8g 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 low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. However, the texture and flavor might be slightly different. For an even lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with lemon zest as a cream cheese alternative, though it will alter the taste.
How can I make these bars more lemony?
To intensify the lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice can enhance the flavor.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These lemon cream cheese bars can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
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).