Description
Bright, tangy, and irresistibly soft, these Lemon Gooey Bars are the ultimate citrus treat! Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up, this easy recipe delivers a gooey center with a zesty lemon glaze that’s both sweet and refreshing. If you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert bars, or healthy snack alternatives with bold flavor, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a great addition to your collection of food ideas for potlucks, spring picnics, or anytime you need a burst of sunshine in dessert form.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even base layer.
4. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the second egg, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best results, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
8. Optionally, drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
9. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Let bars cool fully before slicing to maintain their gooey texture.
For a more intense citrus flavor, add 1 tsp lemon extract to the cream cheese filling.
Chilling before cutting ensures cleaner slices and a better set texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon gooey bars, easy lemon dessert, quick lemon bars, citrus bars, breakfast ideas, easy recipe, food ideas