Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 dozen
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons lemon extract; 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

7 Reviews

Total Time:Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Michael Hunter, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Nov. 19, 2023

I won a baking contest at Purdue University with this recipe for lemon bars with cream cheese frosting. I think you’ll love the dreamy topping. —Michael Hunter, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Test Kitchen tips

These rich bars are moist, almost like cake, with a pleasant lemon flavor.

When the edges are lightly browned and pull away from the sides of the pan, it's ready to come out of the oven. The center will look set.

Watch How to Make Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

7 Reviews Add your review

Yield:2 dozen

Prep:20 min

Cook:20 min

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Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

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Directions

1
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in lemon zest.

2
Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until center is set and edges are golden brown. Cool completely.
3
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and zest. Frost top and cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.