Hereβs a simple and delicious recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Squares:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Lemon Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
3. Prepare the Lemon Layer:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
5. Serve:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the lemon cream cheese squares for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares, if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Cream Cheese Squares!
These squares are perfect for a light dessert or a sweet snack, combining the richness of cream cheese with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon.
