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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until fully integrated and the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Fold in fresh lemon zest and squeeze in lemon juice, stirring until the mixture is well combined and has a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it smoothly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure they are fully chilled and can be cut cleanly.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
- 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