How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Squares

Directions:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the squares once they’re done.

2. Make the Crust:

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Then, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly and forms small pea-sized clumps. If you have a food processor, you can pulse it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

While the crust is cooling, it’s time to make the creamy, lemony filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk, but make sure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps.

Once smooth, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth.

4. Assemble the Squares:

Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. The center should be firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

5. Cool and Slice:

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to allow the squares to set properly and develop their rich, creamy texture.

Before serving, dust the top of the squares with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, cut the lemon cream cheese squares into small squares or rectangles and serve. The crisp, buttery crust pairs beautifully with the smooth, tangy filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Squares:

• Tangy and Creamy: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with the rich, smooth cream cheese creates a perfect balance of tartness and creaminess.
• Perfectly Sweet: These squares are sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. The subtle sweetness of the sugar in the crust and filling complements the lemon’s tartness beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With a simple crust and a straightforward filling, these squares are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The recipe requires no special skills, just patience while they cool and set!
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a potluck, family dinner, or as an afternoon snack, these bars are a versatile treat that everyone will enjoy. The fresh lemon flavor is particularly refreshing in the summer months, but they’re a hit year-round.

Tips and Variations:

• Add More Zest: If you love a strong lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest to the filling. This will intensify the citrus notes and give your squares an extra punch.
• Berry Topping: For a fun twist, serve the lemon cream cheese squares with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The fruit adds a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon filling.
• Make It Gluten-Free: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the flour in both the crust and filling with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Lemon Extract: If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use lemon extract instead of lemon juice and zest. Just use 1/2 teaspoon of extract to replace the juice and zest for a similar flavor.

Final Thoughts:

Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Their simple preparation, combined with the tangy lemon and rich cream cheese filling, makes them an instant favorite for anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these lemon squares are the perfect choice.

So why not bring a little sunshine to your next gathering with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert?