Recipe: Lemon Cream Bars
Introduction: These Lemon Cream Bars are a delightful treat with a crispy, buttery crust and a rich, creamy lemon filling. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet cream cheese, paired with a sugary, golden top, creates a perfect dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Ideal for any occasion, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 package of puff pastry (store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For the cream filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For topping:
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 thin lemon slice (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place the pastry into a greased baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) and press it to fit the dish.
- Brush the top of the pastry with melted butter, and sprinkle it with granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
- Bake the pastry for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Prepare the cream filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Mix well with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bars:
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the lemon cream filling evenly over the baked pastry.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Top the bars:
- Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Optionally, place a thin slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint on top for decoration.
- Chill and serve:
- Place the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the cream set and the flavors meld together.
- Once chilled, cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For extra tang, you can add more lemon zest or juice to the filling.
- These bars can be made a day in advance and kept chilled for a hassle-free dessert option.