The Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting delectable lemon cream cheese bars promises a zesty adventure in your kitchen.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this simple dessert.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with bright citrus notes.

Soft cream cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for sharp lemon hints.

Home bakers adore how quickly these bars come together.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a refreshing treat.

You’ll fall in love with every buttery, citrusy bite that melts on your tongue.

Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich broccoli, and vitamin-loaded carrots, this dish delivers a balanced meal in one skillet.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Learn professional stir-fry skills with simple steps that transform fresh ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to match personal preferences, making this recipe perfect for picky eaters and culinary explorers.
• Zero Kitchen Stress Solution: Minimal dishes, straightforward preparation, and one-pan cooking mean faster cleanup and more enjoyment with minimal cooking experience required.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for this stir-fry dish.

• Broccoli, Carrot: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and crunch to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and salty flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry that helps thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a robust and spicy flavor base.
• Oyster Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredients that enhance the sauce's flavor and add a spicy kick.

• Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

• Rice, Noodles: Recommended base for serving the stir-fry and making it a complete meal.

How to Make Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prepare Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for a few minutes to set it, then let it cool completely.

Step 2: Create Cream Cheese Filling

Blend cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.

Crack eggs and blend them into the mixture one at a time. Pour in fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring until the filling is silky and well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should look golden and slightly puffy.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for several hours or overnight.

Chilling helps the bars set and enhances their flavor.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled bars from the refrigerator.

Use a sharp knife to cut into perfect squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve and enjoy the tangy, creamy treat!

Tips for Smooth and Flavorful Lemon Bars

• Add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a brighter, more intense citrus taste that'll make your bars pop.
• Blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling to ensure a crisp, golden base that won't get mushy.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, sharp edges that look professionally made.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust if you're avoiding gluten, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan version.
• Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Variations on Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

• Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a fiery kick, enhancing the heat and flavor profile of the dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Medley: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh, and include additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk and curry powder to transform the stir-fry into a creamy, aromatic Asian-inspired meal with a rich, complex taste.
• Ginger Garlic Powerhouse: Increase the amount of fresh ginger and garlic, and add a splash of rice vinegar for a more intense, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Pairings to Enjoy with Lemon Bars

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will beautifully complement the light, fresh flavors of the shrimp and vegetables, cutting through the savory sauce with their bright acidity.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice: Serve the stir-fry over fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a soft, aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Craft a ginger lychee martini that mirrors the dish's Asian flavors, with the ginger echoing the stir-fry's spices and the lychee adding a sweet counterpoint.

Proper Storage for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.

Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Warm in skillet over medium heat. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this shrimp stir-fry?

The key ingredients are shrimp, broccoli, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, and optional seasonings like ginger, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes.

• Is this a healthy dish?

Yes, this stir-fry is nutritious, packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from vegetables, and uses minimal oil for cooking.

• Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef to suit your preference or dietary needs.

• How spicy is this stir-fry?

The spice level is mild, but you can adjust by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cream cheese bars bring sunshine to dessert tables with their perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Creamy layers meld effortlessly, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced (or ginger powder)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Optional Garnishes and Serving:

• Red pepper flakes, to taste (for heat)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Create the graham cracker crust by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until fully integrated and the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
6. Fold in fresh lemon zest and squeeze in lemon juice, stirring until the mixture is well combined and has a bright, citrusy aroma.
7. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it smoothly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
10. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure they are fully chilled and can be cut cleanly.
11. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
12. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique flavor variations that add exciting twists to the classic recipe.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent crumbling during serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 109 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 553 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 161 mg