Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars feature a buttery crumb crust, a luscious lemon-infused cream cheese filling, and a golden crumble topping. These bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus brightness and creamy richness, making them a refreshing yet indulgent dessert suitable for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars combine the comforting texture of a crumb bar with the vibrant flavor of lemon and the smoothness of cheesecake. They are simple to prepare, slice beautifully, and maintain their structure well. The contrasting textures—the crisp crumbs, velvety filling, and tender base—create an elegant dessert that is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a sophisticated afternoon treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• unsalted butter, melted
• baking powder
• salt
• cream cheese, softened
• egg
• lemon juice
• lemon zest
• vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until coarse crumbs form.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
6. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is creamy.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the filling.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Makes approximately 12 bars
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling/Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: roughly 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add fresh blueberries to the cream cheese filling.
• Coconut Lemon Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the crumb topping.
• Meyer Lemon Bars: Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, more floral flavor.
• Almond Crumb Bars: Add almond extract to the filling and sliced almonds to the topping.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These bars freeze exceptionally well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Do not reheat, as the creamy filling is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Why is my filling runny?

The bars likely need more time to cool. The filling firms up as it chills.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Why is my crust crumbly?

Ensure the crumb mixture is well packed into the bottom of the pan.

Can I add berries?

Yes, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries work well.

Do these bars freeze well?

Yes, they freeze beautifully when wrapped tightly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but the tanginess may become more pronounced.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese is best; low-fat versions may result in a softer filling.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes, lime creates a refreshing citrus variation.

Why did my topping brown too quickly?

Your oven may run hot; tent the pan with foil if necessary.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars deliver a delightful blend of brightness and creaminess that appeals to nearly every palate. Their simple preparation, elegant appearance, and refreshing flavor make them an excellent choice for entertaining or casual desserts alike. These bars slice neatly, store well, and are guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to any menu.

Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars

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Soft, strawberry-flavored cookie blossoms rolled in sugar and topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss for a sweet, colorful treat.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3 oz box strawberry gelatin mix
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pink or red sanding sugar (for rolling)
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry gelatin mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in sanding sugar.
7. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft.
9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can firm up.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 15 minutes if too soft to roll.
• Use heart-shaped Hershey’s Kisses for Valentine’s Day flair.
• Allow cookies to cool fully before storing to avoid melting the Kisses.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg