Ingredient Notes
Nilla wafers – The crust is made with Nilla wafer cookies. Name brand or store bought will both work. A lot of crusts are comprised of simply cookie crumbs and butter, but this one has some dry ingredients added to it, like flour and sugar. So you get the tender crumb from the flour, but the amazing cookie-ness from the Nilla wafers. Butter – This recipe was developed using real butter, so that is the best choice. Here’s a great tip for cutting in butter to create a flaky crust: use a cheese grater! If I’m making something like pie crust or biscuits I use a more traditional method, but for something like this, a cheese grater works perfectly. Popping your butter in the freezer for a few minutes before grating makes it even easier. Cream Cheese – Full fat or low fat will work. Avoid fat free. Lemon (or lime) juice – You will need both the juice and the zest of your lemons or limes. I don’t recommend bottled juice or dried zest. Fresh is best! Foil for easy cutting – Line your baking pan with foil or parchment and you will be able to lift the entire pan full of bars out for easy cutting after they are cooled.
How To Make Creamy Lemon Bars
Can I make these creamy lemon bars ahead? You bet! These bars honestly get better with time. Feel free to make them a day ahead of time through the refrigeration step. When ready to serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar, garnish with zest, cut, and serve. Can I freeze these? While I haven’t tested freezing them myself, other readers report that they do indeed freeze and thaw well. Make sure they are tightly wrapped before freezing!
Serving Suggestions and Related Recipes
These yummy bars are a great treat to go with summer barbecues, perfect for potlucks, and beautiful for receptions or brunches. Serve as a light dessert after a meal, or add to a sweet spread at celebrations. Looking for other fun bar desserts? Check out these other Our Best Bites favorites: Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake BarsBanana Bars with Cream Cheese IcingTexas Sheet CakeOatmeal M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Did You Make This?
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