Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are one of my many variations of Gooey Butter Cake, and they're super easy because you start with a cake mix. When I served Lemon Cream Cheese Bars at a luncheon last week, rave reviews came pouring in! “The best lemon bar ever!” “Way better than traditional lemon bars.” “WOW…these are so good!”

 Course Dessert

 Prep Time 10 minutes

 Cook Time 40 minutes

 Total Time 50 minutes

 Servings 24

 Author Kristl Story, TheBudgetDiet.com

Ingredients

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 stick butter melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup coconut optional, but yummy!
• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• 1 box powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Mix together (on low speed) cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg and water until combined.
3. Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan.
4. Optional: lightly press coconut into the top of the cake mixture.
5. Mix together (on medium speed) softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.
6. Pour over cake mixture.
7. Bake 35 – 40 minutes at 350º or until lightly browned.
8. Cool completely and cut into squares.
9. Store in refrigerator.

If you want to have more baking fun, try my other variations of Gooey Butter Cake!  Traditional Gooey Butter Cake, Chris’ Outrageous Cheesecake Bars (German chocolate), and Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cake!