Zesty Creamy Lemon Delight Bars
Indulge in the bright, tangy flavors of these Zesty Creamy Lemon Delight Bars. This delightful dessert combines a buttery, crumbly crust made from reduced-fat vanilla wafers with a rich, creamy lemon filling that's perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Each bite offers a burst of refreshing lemon zest and juice, adding a sunshine-filled taste to your dessert table. While they take time to chill in the refrigerator, the anticipation is well worth it when you serve these luscious squares at your next gathering or as a treat for yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat vanilla wafers
20 (finely crushed)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (divided for crust and filling)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Unsalted butter or margarine
1/4 cup (cold)
Neufchatel cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (for filling)
Eggs
2 (large)
Additional all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for filling)
Lemon zest
3 tablespoons (minced)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
Powdered sugar
2 teaspoons (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, allowing the ends to hang over the sides for easy removal after baking.
2
To prepare the crust, in a medium bowl, mix together the finely crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Cut the cold butter or margarine into the mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until slightly golden.
4
While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened neufchatel cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Add in the eggs, followed by the additional 2 tablespoons of flour, mixing until fully incorporated. Blend in the minced lemon zest, lemon juice, and baking powder until all ingredients are just combined.
6
Pour the creamy lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
7
Once baked, allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack. After cooling, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
8
When ready to serve, remove the bars from the dish using the foil handles, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and garnish with any remaining lemon zest. Cut into squares and enjoy!
9
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Creamy Lemon Delight Bars?
They are a bright, tangy dessert combining a buttery vanilla wafer crust with a rich, creamy lemon filling balanced between sweet and tart.
What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
An 8-inch square baking dish is required for these lemon bars.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Line the dish with foil and allow the ends to hang over the sides for easy removal after the bars have chilled.
What ingredients are in the crust?
The crust is made from finely crushed reduced-fat vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold butter or margarine.
How do I mix the butter into the crust?
Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
The crust should be baked for 15 minutes until it is slightly golden.
What is the base of the creamy lemon filling?
The filling uses softened Neufchatel cheese and granulated sugar beaten together until smooth.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?
The recipe specifies Neufchatel cheese for a lighter, creamy texture, but regular cream cheese is a common substitute.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
This recipe requires 2 large eggs.
Is flour used in the filling as well as the crust?
Yes, an additional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are mixed into the filling to help it set.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced lemon zest.
Do I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Does the filling require a leavening agent?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the filling mixture.
How long do the bars bake after adding the filling?
Bake the bars for 25-28 minutes once the filling has been poured over the crust.
How do I know when the lemon bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the center is set and no longer jiggly.
What is the first step after removing the bars from the oven?
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.
How long should the bars be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best flavor.
How do I remove the bars from the baking dish?
Use the overhanging foil handles to lift the chilled bars out of the dish.
How should I garnish the Zesty Creamy Lemon Delight Bars?
You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar and garnish with any remaining lemon zest.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lemon bars in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
What kind of vanilla wafers should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for reduced-fat vanilla wafers.
How many vanilla wafers are needed for the crust?
You will need approximately 20 vanilla wafers, finely crushed.
Should the butter for the crust be melted?
No, the recipe specifies using cold butter for the crust mixture.
Is the brown sugar for the crust packed or loose?
The 1/4 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
What equipment is needed for the filling?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cheese and sugar until smooth.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, though it requires time for cooling and chilling.
Can I serve these bars immediately after baking?
No, they must be cooled and then chilled for at least 2 hours to set properly.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is rich and creamy, similar to a light cheesecake but with a bright citrus profile.
Why is baking powder used in the lemon filling?
Baking powder provides a slight lift to the filling, ensuring it isn't too dense.