Lemon Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with these delightful Lemon Bars topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic lemon bars, adding a rich and creamy layer of frosting that takes this treat to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a tasty dessert to impress guests or simply craving a delightful treat for yourself, these Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Bars:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.

3. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.

4. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

5. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

6. Once the lemon bars are done baking, let them cool completely in the pan before removing using the parchment paper overhang.

7. While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

8. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth and well combined.

9. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled lemon bars.

10. For the finishing touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

These Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly delightful treat. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delicious lemon bars and treat yourself to a taste of sweet and tangy perfection!