These Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are a bright and refreshing dessert with layers of zesty lemon filling, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery crust. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, ideal for any occasion from picnics to family gatherings!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 🌾
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
For the Lemon Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest 🍋
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) 🍬
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust:
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat the cream cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Spread the mixture:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Lemon Layer:
- Whisk the lemon filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
- Pour over the cream cheese layer:
- Gently pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake:
- Bake the bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool:
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
5. Serve:
- Slice and serve:
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve these bright and refreshing Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares chilled or at room temperature.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Chilling Time: 2 hours
⏱️ Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12 squares
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per square
These Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet. The refreshing lemon flavor and rich cream cheese filling will make this dessert a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! 🍋🍰