Lemon Cheese Bars Recipe

### 🍋 **Lemon Cheese Bars Recipe** 🧀

These **Lemon Cheese Bars** are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tangy brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. With a buttery crust and a luscious filling, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy citrus flavors. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

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### **Ingredients:**

#### For the Crust:
– **1 cup all-purpose flour** 🍚
– Provides the base for your bars; you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.

– **1/2 cup butter, softened** 🧈
– Adds richness to the crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.

– **1/4 cup powdered sugar** 🍬
– Sweetens the crust while giving it a nice texture.

#### For the Filling:
– **8 oz cream cheese, softened** 🧀
– The star of the filling; it should be softened to ensure a smooth mixture.

– **1/2 cup granulated sugar** 🍭
– Sweetens the filling to balance the tartness of the lemon.

– **2 eggs** 🥚
– Provides structure and helps bind the filling together.

– **2 tablespoons lemon juice** 🍋
– Freshly squeezed for the best flavor; it gives the filling its tanginess.

– **1 tablespoon lemon zest** 🍊
– Enhances the lemon flavor; make sure to zest only the yellow part of the skin.

– **1/2 teaspoon baking powder** 🔍
– Helps the filling rise slightly for a fluffy texture.

– **1/4 teaspoon salt** 🧂
– Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

– **Powdered sugar for dusting** 🌪️
– A finishing touch to add sweetness and presentation.

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Grease an **8×8-inch baking dish** with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### 2. **Make the Crust:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the **flour**, **softened butter**, and **powdered sugar**.
– Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers for this step.
– Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
– Bake for **15 minutes** or until the crust is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

#### 3. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the **softened cream cheese** and **granulated sugar** together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about **2-3 minutes**.
– Add the **eggs**, **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.

#### 4. **Combine and Bake:**
– Once the crust has finished baking, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
– Bake for an additional **20-25 minutes**, or until the filling is set. The edges should be slightly puffed, and the center should be firm but slightly jiggly.

#### 5. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least **2 hours** to fully set.
– Once chilled, dust the top with **powdered sugar** before cutting into squares.
– Use a sharp knife to cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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### **Prep & Nutritional Info:**

– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
– **Total Time:** 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
– **Servings:** 12 bars
– **Calories:** Approximately 150-200 calories per bar (calories may vary based on specific ingredients).

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### **Tips for Success:**

– **Lemon Juice and Zest:** For the best flavor, use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice. The zest adds a bright flavor that enhances the filling.
– **Storage:** Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them well.
– **Serving Suggestions:** These bars pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

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### **Final Thoughts:**

These **Lemon Cheese Bars** are a perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re in the mood for something refreshing and sweet. With their buttery crust and creamy lemon filling, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy! 🍋✨🧀