These Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars are a delightful combination of tart lemon and rich, creamy filling, all nestled between a buttery oatmeal crust. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, these bars are a refreshing treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The oatmeal crust adds a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon filling. These bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves citrus desserts!
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Crust:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Oatmeal Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is combined and crumbly.
- Press the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the lemon cream filling over the slightly cooled oatmeal crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
- Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bars are done.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For best results, refrigerate the bars for an hour to let them fully set and firm up before slicing.
- Serve:
- Once cooled and set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a little extra lemon zest for an added touch of freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
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