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Lemon Cream Cheese Streusel Bars

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A dreamy combination of tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery oat streusel. These bars have a crisp, golden crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, and a zesty lemon topping, making them the perfect sweet and citrusy treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale
For the Crust and Streusel:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Layer:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the crust and streusel: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and stir in oats – this will be your streusel topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Set aside.
  5. Make the lemon layer: Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in flour until well combined.
  6. Pour cream cheese mixture over the warm crust, spreading evenly. Carefully pour lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle reserved streusel topping over everything.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  8. Cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
These bars are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just because you’re craving something sweet and citrusy. I love making a batch on Sunday and having a little piece each night after dinner throughout the week – if they last that long!

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled – it makes a huge difference

  • Author: Jordan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes

Find it online: https://bakedinbliss.com/lemon-cream-cheese-streusel-bars/