Cake Mix Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
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These Cake Mix Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are the perfect treat to make for Mother’s Day or any special occasion. Everyone will love the tangy lemon taste, creamy cream cheese center, and crunchy crumb topping in these bars. I happen to be a big fan of lemon desserts!
The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make! By using a lemon cake mix as the base, you can save time and effort without sacrificing flavor. With just six simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for whipping up a quick and easy dessert any time.
The cream cheese center adds rich and creamy texture to the bars, making them extra decadent. Once baked, the bars are golden brown and irresistible. You can even make these bars for yourself the day before Mother’s Day, so you can enjoy them fresh and ready to go. They also make a great gift for friends or family members who appreciate a homemade treat.
Overall, these cake mix lemon cream cheese crumb bars are an easy dessert option that is sure to impress. Give them a try and see for yourself how simple and tasty this lemony dessert is – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
- LEMON CAKE MIX
- CANOLA OIL
- EGG
- CREAM CHEESE
- LEMON JUICE
- SUGAR
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
Start by mixing the lemon cake mix with an egg and some canola oil. Mix with an electric mixer until the mixture is crumbly. I use my Kitchen Aid with the paddle attachment.
Then, set aside 1 cup of the mixture to use later. Pour the rest of the crumb mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and press to make a crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
While that’s baking, beat the cream cheese together along with the sugar, other egg, and lemon juice. Beat with a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Once you finish baking the crust, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. No need to wait for the crust to cool first.
Take the remaining 1 cup of the crumb mixture that you set aside and sprinkle it evenly over the cheesecake layer. Bake for another 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Allow these to cool completely and then cut into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
You can try different cake mix flavors with the lemon cream cheese bars for a unique taste. Lemon cake mix works well, but feel free to get creative!
For instance, if you use a vanilla or white cake mix, the lemon flavor will be more subtle. On the other hand, using a yellow cake mix will result in a more rich taste. I do think a strawberry cake mix would be fun to try.
How do I determine when the bars have finished baking?
The bars finish baking when the edges turn lightly golden brown and the center sets.
Can I make these lemon cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Do I need to grease the baking pan before adding the crumb mixture crust?
There is no need for cooking spray or to grease the baking pan for this recipe since the dough contains enough fat. However, if you prefer, you can lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars after baking.
Cake Mix Lemon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
Crumb Mixture
- 1 lemon cake mix
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 egg
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix dry cake mix, vegetable oil, and 1 egg until crumbly. Reserve one cup of crumble mixture and set aside.
- Spread remainder of crumbs into a 9×13 pan and press down to form a crust.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crust is light golden brown.
- Place filling ingredients in a bowl. Whip together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until fluffy and light. Spread evenly over the baked crumb crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved cup of crumbs over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until golden and set in the center. Cool and cut into bars.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Favorite Family Recipes.
