If you're on the hunt for a tangy-sweet treat that perfectly balances creamy and zesty flavors, these Zesty Cream Cheese Lemon Bars are your answer. They're the ideal dessert for any gathering, offering a refreshing twist that everyone will love.
The foundation of these bars is the buttery crust. The crust is made from a simple mix of flour, granulated sugar, and butter, creating a deliciously crumbly base. The star of the show is the creamy filling, which uses cream cheese to provide a rich texture. Sweetened with powdered sugar and brightened with lemon zest and lemon juice, the filling is both sweet and tangy. Eggs are included to give the filling structure, while a hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Lastly, a touch of baking powder and salt ensures a perfect rise and balanced taste.
These lemon bars are delightful served chilled, making them perfect for warm weather. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They're also fantastic on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust will bake evenly. Take an 8-inch square baking dish and give it a good greasing to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. Once ready, press this mixture firmly into your prepared dish to create a solid crust base.
Pop the crust into the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes, or until you see a light golden hue. While it's baking, let's move on to the filling.
Grab another bowl and beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take just a couple of minutes.
Next, add in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it's fully combined and smooth. Sprinkle in the baking powder and salt, and give it one last stir to mix well.
Once your crust has finished baking, pour the cream cheese mixture over it and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be set.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with a generous layer of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance before cutting into squares to serve.
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