Pamela Horne Jones
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (for a fresh lemony flavor)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and light in texture.
Add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. The dough should be thick.
Press this dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Make the lemon cream cheese filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer.
Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then mix until fully combined and smooth.
Pour this mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
5. Add the finishing touch:
Once the bars have cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet and pretty finish.