Lemon Squares with Cream Cheese

Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and creamy with these irresistible Lemon Squares with Cream Cheese. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a lusciously smooth cream cheese filling infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a hint of zest, these squares offer a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar. Easy enough for a casual dessert yet elegant enough for entertaining, this recipe boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant citrus flavor. Baked to perfection and chilled for the ultimate creamy consistency, these lemon squares are finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Ready in just over an hour, they make a refreshing treat for any occasion. Perfect for lemon dessert lovers, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.75 cups Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 3 Large eggs
• 0.5 cups Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 cups of powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 5

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 6

Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Beat until smooth and combined.

Step 7

Pour the lemon-cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center when moved.

Step 9

Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 10

Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon squares from the pan. Slice into squares or bars.

Step 11

Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1150.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4085.2

Total Fat 240.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 143.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1196.6mg	0%
Sodium 977.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 450.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 285.5g
Protein 54.8g	0%

Vitamin D 207.5IU	0%
Calcium 397.5mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 821.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.7%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 43.0%