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Close-up of a lemon square with cream cheese topped with lemon slice and powdered sugar on a ceramic plate
Elle

Lemon Squares with Cream Cheese

Lemon squares with cream cheese are the perfect blend of zesty citrus and rich creaminess. This easy 30-minute recipe features a buttery crust and a velvety lemon filling, making it the ultimate comfort dessert that’s quick, bright, and irresistibly creamy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for crust
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until crumbly, then press into the dish to form the crust.
  3. Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Add the remaining 1 cup of sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla; mix until fully combined.
  6. Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the hot crust.
  7. Bake for an additional 15–18 minutes until the center is just set.
  8. Cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
  9. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  10. These lemon squares with cream cheese are best chilled and served cold for optimal texture.

Notes

  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth filling.
  • Line your baking dish with parchment for easy slicing and lifting.
  • For extra flavor, mix a bit of lemon zest into the crust dough.
  • Substitute mascarpone for cream cheese if you prefer a lighter filling.