Lemon Cream Cheesecake Bars
These delightful Lemon Cream Cheesecake Bars combine the zesty brightness of lemon with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all nestled in a buttery cake mix crust. This recipe was inspired by a popular box of cake mix, making it an incredibly easy and delicious dessert option. Perfect for any gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit, as attested by their rapid disappearance from the dessert table. With a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, they're the ideal treat for lemon lovers. Serve them chilled for a refreshing dessert that's perfect for warm days or any occasion!
36
Servings
80
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury Moist Supreme Lemon Cake Mix
1 (18.25 ounces)
Margarine or Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Egg
2 (large)
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Lemon Frosting
1 (16 ounces)
Cream Cheese
1 (8 ounces, softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, softened margarine or butter, and one egg. Mix at low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
3
Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping and set aside.
4
Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased and floured baking pan to form a crust.
5
In a separate bowl, blend the creamy lemon frosting, softened cream cheese, and one egg together at low speed until well mixed, then increase to high speed and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6
Carefully spread the cheesecake layer over the crust in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7
Sprinkle the reserved cake mixture over the cheesecake layer, using it as a crumb topping.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is firm to the touch.
9
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10
Once cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10.7g
Carbs
0.83g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Cream Cheesecake Bars?
They are a delightful dessert combining zesty lemon cake mix crust, a rich creamy cheesecake filling made with lemon frosting, and a crumbly topping.
What specific cake mix is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one 18.25-ounce package of Pillsbury Moist Supreme Lemon Cake Mix.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of softened margarine or softened butter to create the crumbly dough.
How many eggs are required for Lemon Cream Cheesecake Bars?
You will need a total of two large eggs: one for the cake mix crust and one for the cheesecake filling.
What type of frosting is used in the filling?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce container of Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Lemon Frosting mixed with cream cheese.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The baking pan should be greased and floured before adding the crust mixture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I make the crust for these bars?
Combine the lemon cake mix, softened butter or margarine, and one egg in a bowl and mix at low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
Should I save any of the cake mix mixture for the top?
Yes, reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly cake mixture to use as a sprinkle topping over the cheesecake layer.
How do I prepare the cheesecake filling?
Blend the lemon frosting, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, and one egg at low speed, then beat on high until the mixture is smooth.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 35 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the Lemon Cream Cheesecake Bars are done?
The edges should be lightly golden brown and the center should be firm to the touch.
What is the cooling process for this recipe?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before refrigerating.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours after they have cooled to ensure they are easy to cut and serve chilled.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 bars.
How many calories are in one bar?
Each bar contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
There are 10.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each bar provides approximately 0.83 grams of protein.
Is there any fiber in this dessert?
The nutritional data for this recipe indicates 0 grams or negligible fiber content.
What makes this recipe an 'easy' dessert?
It uses convenient pre-made ingredients like boxed cake mix and prepared frosting, reducing the number of steps and ingredients needed.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies standard cream cheese, you could likely use low-fat, though the texture and richness may vary slightly.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is a crumbly texture made from the reserved cake mix dough which bakes into a light golden crust.
Are these bars suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, served chilled, they provide a refreshing and tangy citrus flavor that is perfect for warm weather.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 5 main ingredients: lemon cake mix, margarine/butter, eggs, lemon frosting, and cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
Yes, any standard 18.25-ounce lemon cake mix should work similarly to the Pillsbury brand mentioned.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cheesecake filling fresh.
Are these bars very sweet?
They offer a balance of sweet from the frosting and tangy from the lemon and cream cheese.