Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Bars
Treat yourself to the perfect blend of tangy and sweet with these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Brownie Bars. These bars feature a luscious cream cheese and lemon filling swirled into a rich brownie base, creating a heavenly dessert that’s bursting with flavor and sure to brighten up any occasion.
Reason to Try Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Bars
Lemon Cream Cheese Brownie Bars offer a refreshing twist on classic brownies, combining the zesty taste of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence for yourself or looking to impress guests at a gathering, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients Summary
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salted butter
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Lemon juice
- Yellow food coloring
- Powdered sugar
- Yellow sprinkles (optional)
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownie Bars as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a delicious addition to brunch spreads or dessert platters for special occasions.
Storage Info
Store any leftover brownie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Techniques or Tips
- Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
- Allow the brownie bars to cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting and becoming too runny.
- Customize the flavor by adding lemon zest to the batter for extra lemony goodness.
Variation
For a decadent twist, try adding a layer of lemon curd between the brownie batter and cream cheese filling. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs about Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Bars
Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? Yes, you can use store-bought lemon juice as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to use pure lemon juice without any added sugar or preservatives.
Can I omit the yellow food coloring? Yes, the yellow food coloring is optional and can be omitted if desired. It’s added mainly for aesthetic purposes to give the bars a vibrant lemony hue.
Lemon Cream Cheese Brownie Bars
Equipment
- 8x8 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- - 3/4 cup sugar
- - 1 stick salted butter softened
- - 3/4 cup cream cheese softened
- - 2 eggs
- - 3 tbsp lemon juice
- - 3-4 drops yellow food coloring
- Icing:
- - 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
- - 1 cup powdered sugar
- - Yellow sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, spray sides with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix sugar and flour together.
- Add butter and cream cheese, beat until creamy.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring, mix well.
- Pour batter into pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool for 30 minutes.
- While cooling, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for icing.
- Pour icing over brownies, spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with lemon sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice and food coloring to taste and desired color intensity.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
