Description
Delight in these Zesty Lemon Cream Squares featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth and tangy lemon cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, these refreshing dessert squares are ideal for gatherings or a bright finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Lemon Cream Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Lemon slices or zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the lemon cream filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Next, stir in the flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon cream filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to fully set and chill before cutting into squares.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, dust the lemon cream squares with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh lemon slices or additional lemon zest for a bright, decorative touch.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Press the crust firmly to create a sturdy base for the lemon cream layer.
- Refrigeration is important to allow the filling to set properly for clean cuts.
- You can use either fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- For easier removal, make sure to line the pan with parchment paper extending over the sides.
- Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste.
