Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
– **Crust:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– **Cream Cheese Layer:**
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– **Lemon Layer:**
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– **Topping:**
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:**
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and lemon juice, and beat until well combined.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
3. **Prepare the Lemon Layer:**
1. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
2. Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer.
4. **Bake:**
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5. **Finish and Serve:**
1. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
2. Cut into bars and serve.
Enjoy these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, perfect for any occasion!
