Description

These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon-infused cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert that combines the convenience of a cake mix with fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting

Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one egg. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform crust layer.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add two large eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix all together until fully combined and silky in texture.
Assemble: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture once cooled.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, dust the top with additional powdered sugar if desired, then cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to maintain a creamy texture.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
These bars are best stored in the refrigerator and served chilled.
Dusting with powdered sugar is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars, lemon bars, lemon dessert, cream cheese bars, easy lemon bars, yellow cake mix dessert