Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Yield:
20 bars (one 9-by-13-inch pan)
Total Time:
40 minutes, plus cooling
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 2¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 (8-ounce / 225g) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups (245g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, plus more as needed
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- A drop or two of gel food coloring (optional)
- Assorted sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the two long sides by about 2 inches.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the granulated sugar and beat until smooth (about 1 minute more). Add the egg and vanilla, and beat on low until well combined (about 1 minute). Scrape down the bowl. Gradually mix in the flour mixture on low speed until just blended (about 1 minute).
Step 3:
Use a spatula to scrape the dough into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake—the bars should be very moist and slightly underbaked in the middle.
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang.
Step 4:
Make the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy (about 1 minute). Add 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar and beat on low until combined. Add the remaining 1 cup and repeat.
Add the milk or cream, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and food coloring (if using). Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides halfway through (about 4 minutes). Add more milk if needed to thin it out. Adjust lemon juice and vanilla to taste.
Step 5:
Spread the frosting on the cooled bars. Add sprinkles if using. Cut into 20 squares and serve.
The Hedonist Cook 