Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs ((finely crushed)); 0.25 cup Granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter ((melted)); 16 oz Cream cheese ((2 packages, softened to room temperature)); 0.5 cup Granulated sugar; 2 large Eggs ((room temperature)); 0.25 cup Lemon juice ((fresh, from about 2 lemons)); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; Powdered sugar ((for dusting)); Fresh berries ((such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and impossibly satisfying, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the kind of dessert that disappears before you can say “just one more bite.” Imagine a buttery graham crust giving way to a velvety, lemon-kissed cream cheese filling — bright, smooth, and refreshingly sweet. Fun fact: citrus and cream cheese have been paired in desserts for decades because the acid from lemon makes the cream cheese shine like a star. Whether you’re baking for a backyard barbecue, a school potluck, or a quiet afternoon treat, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little fuss.

If you love easy, reliable desserts, you’ll be right at home here — and if you enjoy other cream cheese-forward bakes, try my take on a different twist at this related lemon cream cheese version for another perspective on the classic. Simple to prepare, family-friendly, and quick to chill, these bars are perfect for cooks of any skill level. Read on and get ready to bake something delicious that everyone will ask you to bring again.

What is Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

What’s in a name? Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are exactly what they sound like — a bar cookie made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cream cheese and lemon filling. Curious why it’s called a “bar” and not a cake? Because you cut it into squares and eat it with your fingers — practically the most convenient dessert format! Did someone name it after the way it melts in your mouth or the cheerful yellow hue that screams sunshine? Maybe both.

And who could resist the old adage that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If that’s true, these bars might be the express lane. Give them a try and see which friend or family member falls under their irresistible spell. I promise you’ll smile when you do.

Why You’ll Love This:

There are three big reasons these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars will become a go-to in your recipe box:

Creamy, tangy center: The star is the smooth cream cheese filling brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice — it’s both rich and refreshingly zippy, a perfect balance for those who love citrus desserts.
Wallet-friendly and made at home: Home baking means you control quality and cost. Pantry staples like graham crackers, sugar, eggs, and lemons are inexpensive, and a single batch yields many servings — ideal for feeding a crowd.
Versatile toppings and textures: A crisp graham crust contrasts the silky filling, and optional dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries adds visual appeal and flavor complexity.

If you enjoy similar layered desserts, these bars offer a lighter, more citrus-forward alternative to a dense cream cheese bundt cake like the one I adapted from my apple cream cheese bundt. Try both and decide which texture you prefer — the bars are quicker and more portable.

How to Make: Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and satisfying. You’ll press a buttery graham cracker crust into an 8×8 pan, whip together a silky lemon cream cheese filling, and bake until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Total active prep is about 15–20 minutes, baking time is roughly 40–45 minutes (including the crust), then chilling for at least 2 hours. The standout elements are the creamy filling and the bright lemon flavor that makes each bite feel light and indulgent.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup fresh juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out easily.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly moistened.
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using the back of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to avoid lumps.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and silky.
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.
Dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries if desired.
Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

What to Serve With:

Fresh berry salad: A mix of raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries adds color and a juicy contrast.
Hot tea or coffee: The citrus brightness pairs beautifully with a bold cup of coffee or a delicate Earl Grey.
Vanilla whipped cream or lemon curd: For extra decadence, swirl a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of lemon curd on top.
Light green salad: If serving as part of a brunch, a crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the dessert’s brightness.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Room temperature ingredients: Let the cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature for a smoother filling and fewer lumps.
Fresh lemon juice: Use fresh lemons for the best bright, natural flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the complexity of fresh citrus.
Don’t overbeat: Overmixing the cream cheese can incorporate too much air, causing cracks or a grainy texture after baking.
Test for doneness: The center should have a slight jiggle — it will firm up as it cools and chills.
Make ahead: These bars keep well and actually firm up in flavor after a day in the fridge, making them great for prepping ahead of time.

If you love cream cheese desserts, try my banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting for another comforting option.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain texture.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best served chilled; if you prefer a slightly warmer bite, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the filling grainy.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture will be slightly less rich. The bars will still taste great, just a touch less decadent.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?
Substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or finely crushed shortbread for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent cracks in the filling?
Avoid overbeating the batter and resist opening the oven frequently. Remove the bars when the center still jiggles slightly and allow them to cool gradually.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookies for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Can I add poppy seeds or other flavors?
Absolutely. A teaspoon of poppy seeds pairs nicely with lemon, or mix in a tablespoon of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are an effortless crowd-pleaser that balance bright citrus with rich, creamy texture — simple enough for weekday baking and elegant enough for a special occasion. They’re budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable with toppings like powdered sugar and fresh berries. Give them a try and share the joy with friends and family.

For another classic version, check out this trusted Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe, and for a slightly different take and helpful technique notes, see Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | The Kitchn.