Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy cheese. These squares offer a refreshing twist on traditional desserts with their zesty lemon flavor and smooth cream cheese filling. Follow this simple recipe to make these delicious squares from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the squares later.
2. Make the Crust
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be somewhat crumbly but should come together when pressed.
3. Press Crust Into Pan
- Press Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in Egg and Lemon: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until the filling is smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Spread Filling: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should be slightly firm to the touch.
6. Cool and Slice
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help the filling set up properly and make slicing easier.
- Cut Into Squares: Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares.
7. Serve
- Serve: Serve the lemon cream cheese squares chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or a potluck treat.
Tips for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chill Dough: If the dough is too soft to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Check for Doneness: The filling should be firm and set but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove the pan from the oven. It will firm up further as it cools.
Variations
- Berry Lemon Cream Cheese Squares: Add a layer of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, on top of the crust before adding the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Squares: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top after baking for an extra burst of lemon flavor
Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These bars are perfect for a light and refreshing treat, offering a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your homemade lemon cream cheese squares