Welcome, dear friends, to my kitchen, a sanctuary where simple ingredients transform into moments of pure, unforgettable joy! 💛 There is nothing quite so enchanting as a dessert that whispers of nostalgia, yet feels utterly modern and refined. Today, we capture the magic of sun-drenched lemons and creamy richness in a simple bar that will steal the show at any table. 🍋✨
About This Dish
These Cream Cheese Bars are a study in perfect textural contrast. The base is a tender, shortbread crust, wonderfully buttery and just a little crumbly. This foundation holds a generous, silky layer of cream cheese filling, made decadent with vanilla bean and brightened by a delicate, zesty kiss of fresh lemon. Topped with a second thin layer of the shortbread mixture, these bars bake to a beautiful, golden-brown perfection, offering a warm, custardy center that is unbelievably satisfying. It's sunshine in every velvety bite! ☀️
The Kitchen Stats
Prep Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Cook Time: 45 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 12 bars | 🔥 Calories: 310 per bar
🧈 The Pantry: Ingredients for Pure Indulgence
For the Crust: All-purpose flour Granulated sugar Salted butter, cold and cubed Lemon zest
For the Cream Cheese Filling: Full-fat cream cheese, softened Granulated sugar Large eggs Vanilla bean paste (or extract) Fresh lemon juice Lemon zest Pinch of salt
📖 The Method: A Narrative of Creation
First, we begin the alchemy of the crust. Into a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and the beautiful, fragrant lemon zest 🍋. Now, introduce your cold, cubed butter; the key to a tender crust is keeping the butter cold! Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse meal, like little pebbles. Press slightly more than half of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish that you've lined with parchment paper—press the base well into the corners to ensure a solid foundation. Bake this initial base at 350°F (175°C) for just 15 minutes until it's set and lightly golden. ⏳
While the crust warms its soul in the oven, we craft the luscious filling. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and cloud-like ☁️. Next, gently incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt—be careful not to overmix once the eggs are added, as we want to keep that beautiful creamy texture. Pour this silken filling evenly over your warm, pre-baked crust.
Finally, crumble the remaining crust mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Return the entire dish to the 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bars are finished when the edges are set and beautifully golden-brown, but the center still has a slight, appealing jiggle 🍮. The secret here is patience; let them cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 3 hours. Chilling is non-negotiable—it allows the center to set into that divine, sliceable creaminess.
🍰 Serving & Storage
Once fully chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Use a sharp, warm knife to cut them into elegant squares; running the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts keeps the slices beautifully clean. 🔪 Dust generously with a cloud of confectioners' sugar just before serving for that final, ethereal touch. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator 🧊, where they will keep their velvety charm for up to 5 days.
❓ Common Questions from the Kitchen
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe? ✨ I strongly recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the most exquisite texture and flavor. Low-fat versions tend to have more water, which can make the filling less rich and stable.
Q: How do I know when the filling is perfectly set? ✨ The edges of the filling will look firm and slightly puffed, while the very center should still tremble gently when the pan is nudged. It's the moment between liquid and solid perfection!
Q: Can these bars be frozen? ✨ Yes, absolutely! Once cooled and cut, flash-freeze the bars on a tray, then transfer them to an airtight freezer container 🧊. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before dusting with sugar.
🥂 The Final Toast
May every bite of these Lemon-Vanilla Cream Cheese Bars transport you to a place of peace and sweet contentment. Happy baking, my friends! Enjoy the journey. 💖
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