Luscious Cream Cheese Dream Bars
This timeless dessert has been a beloved staple at family gatherings for generations. My mom's Luscious Cream Cheese Dream Bars are a perfect blend of rich cream cheese sweetness and nutty undertones, all nestled atop a buttery crumb crust. Each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy texture and satisfying crunch that has made these bars the first to disappear from any dessert table. Whether enjoyed at holiday celebrations, picnics, or casual get-togethers, these cream cheese bars are sure to leave your guests asking for the recipe!
32
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
stick margarine or butter
2/3 cup (softened)
firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups
walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
large eggs
2
milk
4 tablespoons
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened margarine (or butter) and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the flour and finely chopped walnuts (or pecans) to the mixture, stirring until it resembles a crumbly texture.
4
Set aside about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping, then firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6
In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
7
Add the eggs, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until completely smooth and well combined.
8
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust in the baking pan.
9
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
11
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving. Enjoy each creamy, nutty bite!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
13.75g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
6.625g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Luscious Cream Cheese Dream Bars?
Luscious Cream Cheese Dream Bars are a timeless dessert consisting of a sweet cream cheese filling and a nutty, buttery crumb crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 32 bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required?
A greased 13x9 inch baking pan is needed for this recipe.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
Yes, you can use 2/3 cup of either softened margarine or butter.
What kind of sugar is used in the crust?
The crust uses 2/3 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What type of flour is used for the crumb mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Which nuts are recommended for this dessert?
You can use 3/4 cup of either finely chopped walnuts or pecans.
How much crumb mixture should be reserved for the topping?
Set aside approximately 1 cup of the crumb mixture to sprinkle over the top later.
How long should the crust bake initially?
The crust should bake for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
How much cream cheese is needed for the filling?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
What kind of sugar is used in the cream cheese layer?
The cream cheese layer uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are added to the filling?
The filling requires 2 large eggs.
How much milk is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of milk.
Does the recipe contain lemon juice?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
How do I ensure the filling is well combined?
Beat the sugar and cream cheese first, then add the remaining wet ingredients and beat until completely smooth.
Should the crust be warm when I add the filling?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture should be carefully spread over the warm crust.
How long is the final baking time?
Bake the bars for an additional 25 minutes after adding the filling and topping.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden and the filling has set.
Is it important to cool the bars before serving?
Yes, you should let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bar contains 5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a bar?
There are 13.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in each bar?
Each serving contains 6.625g of sugar.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each bar provides 1.5g of protein.
What category of dessert does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
What are some good occasions to serve these bars?
They are perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that has been a family staple for generations.