Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of cream cheese, all nestled on a buttery crust. This recipe has traveled through time, appearing in various newspapers across the United States, from Georgia to Nebraska and North Dakota. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of these simple yet satisfying bars that they’ve remained a favorite for decades.
This recipe was submitted to an unknown publication by Mrs. Sharon Stranimier of Raytown, Missouri. Since she is still alive, we will not share information other than what was published in the newspaper.
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Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars
Food History
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the rise of easy-to-make desserts that incorporated processed ingredients, making them convenient for busy home cooks. This recipe for Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars fits perfectly into that trend. The use of cream cheese, lemon juice, and cake mix reflects the era’s penchant for creating flavorful desserts with minimal effort.
Cream cheese, which is a key ingredient in this recipe, has an interesting history. It was first developed in the United States in the 1870s by dairy farmers in New York State, but it didn’t become a household staple until the Kraft Company began mass-producing it in the 1920s under the brand name “Philadelphia Cream Cheese.” This product revolutionized baking and cooking, making rich, creamy desserts like cheesecake and these lemon bars accessible to everyone.
Lemon juice, another critical component, has long been a favorite in dessert recipes for its bright, tart flavor. Lemon bars, in general, became popular in the mid-20th century, thanks to the availability of bottled lemon juice and lemon-flavored cake mixes. These products made it easier for home bakers to create consistent, delicious desserts without needing fresh lemons on hand.
Timeline
- 1872: Philadelphia Cream Cheese is developed, eventually becoming a staple in American kitchens.
- 1947: The first lemon-flavored cake mixes are introduced, paving the way for lemon-based desserts like these bars.
- 1978: The recipe for Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars first appears in The Columbus Ledger in Georgia.
- 1980: The recipe is featured in the Beatrice Daily Sun in Nebraska.
- 1991: The recipe is last mentioned in The Bismarck Tribune in North Dakota.
Recipe Discussion
Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars combine classic flavors in an easy-to-prepare format. The base of the recipe typically uses a lemon cake mix, which forms the crust and adds a subtle lemon flavor. The filling is a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese and lemon juice, providing a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy.
One of this recipe’s most appealing features is its simplicity. Using a cake mix eliminates the need for measuring and mixing, making it a quick dessert option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The addition of cream cheese gives the bars a cheesecake-like consistency, while the lemon juice ensures that the dessert is refreshingly tart, cutting through the richness of the cream cheese.
These bars are perfect for any occasion—from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. They are particularly popular in the warmer months when their bright lemon flavor offers a cool and refreshing treat.
Preparation Tips
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice is convenient, fresh lemon juice gives your bars a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help it blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy filling.
- Crust Options: If you prefer a more homemade touch, make the crust from scratch using flour, sugar, and butter. However, using a lemon cake mix as the base is the quickest option and provides a consistent, delicious result.
- Chill Before Serving: These bars are best served chilled. After baking, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps the filling set and makes slicing the bars easier.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- 8×8 Baking Pan: An essential for baking these bars, ensuring even cooking and easy slicing. A non-stick version with easy-grip handles can make transferring the bars from oven to countertop a breeze.
- Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer is a handy tool if you opt for fresh lemon juice. Look for one that extracts maximum juice while keeping seeds out of your mix.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of nesting mixing bowls in various sizes will help you blend the cream cheese mixture and other ingredients without mess.
Serving Suggestions
- Dessert Buffet: Place these lemon bars alongside other finger foods like cookies and brownies for a colorful dessert spread.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve these bars with a pot of hot tea, allowing the lemon’s tartness to complement the tea’s natural flavors.
- Spring Brunch: Pair these bars with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light and refreshing springtime treat.
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A Timeless Favorite
Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a sweet slice of history. From their origins in the 1970s to their continued popularity today, these bars capture the essence of easy, flavorful baking. With a combination of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and a buttery crust, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these bars are a delightful treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to the table.
Vintage Recipe Box 37
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Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars Recipe
Easy Cheesy Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. lemon cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 pkg. lemon frosting mix
- 1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix, butter and the 1 slightly beaten egg.
- Mix with a fork until moist.
- Pour mixture into a 9" X 13" pan which has been greased on the bottom.
- Blend the frosting mix with the cream cheese.
- Reserve ½ cup of the cheese and frosting mix.
- Add 2 eggs to the remaining frosting mixture. Beat
- 3-5 minutes.
- Spread over the cake mixture.
- Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes.
- Cool; then spread reserved frosting mix over the top of the bars.