Lemon Dream Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the zesty delight of these Lemon Dream Cheesecake Bars! With a buttery yellow cake mix crust and a luscious cream cheese filling infused with fresh lemon juice, these bars are a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. A sprinkle of reserved cake mix adds a delightful texture to every bite. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, they come together quickly and will impress your family and friends. A perfect dessert for spring gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing treat!
16
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (with pudding in the mix)
Large eggs
2 (divided into one for the crust and one for the filling)
Vegetable oil
1/3 cup (for crust)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened at room temperature)
Sugar
1/3 cup (for filling)
Fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (to taste for filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, 1 egg, and vegetable oil. Mix until crumbly.
3
Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture; press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
4
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and the remaining egg until light and smooth.
6
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, ensuring an even layer.
7
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the cream cheese layer.
8
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until set.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
10
Once cooled, cut into bars and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these bars?
These bars feature a tangy and sweet combination of zesty lemon and rich cream cheese.
What type of cake mix is required?
A standard 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix is used for the base.
How many eggs are needed for the Lemon Dream Cheesecake Bars?
You will need 2 large eggs in total, divided between the crust and the filling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size pan should I use?
The recipe is designed for a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
How is the crust prepared?
Combine the dry cake mix, one egg, and vegetable oil in a large bowl and mix until crumbly.
Do I use the entire cake mix mixture for the crust?
No, you should reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping and press the rest into the pan.
How long does the crust bake initially?
Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What are the ingredients for the filling?
The filling includes softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and the remaining egg.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, which can be adjusted to taste.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, soften the cream cheese at room temperature to ensure the filling is light and smooth.
How do I assemble the layers?
Spread the filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top.
What is the second baking time?
After adding the filling and topping, bake the bars for an additional 15 minutes or until set.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
How should I store these bars?
The bars should be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
What is the calorie count per bar?
Each bar contains approximately 120 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each bar has 15 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
There is 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
No fiber is listed for this specific recipe.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, while fresh is recommended, bottled lemon juice can be substituted.
Is this a good recipe for spring gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing lemon flavor makes it a perfect dessert for spring events.
What category of dessert is this?
This recipe is classified as a Bar Cookie.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese filling until smooth.
Should the bars cool before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
How much vegetable oil is used?
The crust requires 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling requires 1/3 cup of sugar.
Is the crust sweet?
Yes, the use of yellow cake mix provides a sweet and buttery base.
Can I use a lemon cake mix instead?
Yes, using a lemon cake mix would enhance the lemon flavor further.
What gives the bars their texture?
The combination of a baked crust, creamy center, and reserved cake mix crumbles on top.