Luscious lemon, cream cheese and pecans come together in these easy to make dessert bars. They are quick and fabulous!
These lemony cake bars are a perfect dessert for so many occasions. They start with a cake mix, so they are super easy to put together.
The cream cheese and pecan layer takes them to the next level of goodness. They are a great sweet ending to picnics, parties and potlucks.
As winter grinds on, I am needing all of the bright and springy things I can get. Luckily it is citrus season and the bright zing helps give your taste buds a bit of a vacation.
There is just something about lemon that dances across your tongue. That seems to be especially the case when it is mixed with cream cheese.
Last week I shared a fabulous and super easy lemon cheesecake dip. That got me in the mood for more bright treats.
I have a lemon cream cheese dump cake on my list of things to make soon. I am really looking forward to it.
These bars are another fabulous combination of tangy citrus and creamy comforting cream cheese. Plus with the cake mix shortcut they come together in just a few minutes.
The hardest part is waiting for them to bake. Smelling them cook is going you make you want them even more!
In addition to a lemon kick, I have been all about pecans lately. I love them in maple cinnamon granola, on salads, in pecan dream bars or I could eat candied pecans by the handful.
I think they add a wonderful flavor and texture to the bars. However if you are like my husband and don’t do nuts, leave them out.
The bars would be great either way. Or just throw them in anyway and send them to me, I promise not to complain!
If this recipe reminds you of lemon gooey butter cake, you aren’t alone. The idea is very similar.
It has a dense cake crust and a cream cheese layer on top. This version is rich, but not quite as rich as a full on St. Louis style butter cake though.
If you aren’t sold yet, be sure to watch the video of them being made. You’ll see how easy and delicious they are!
Lemon Cake Bars with Pecans and Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box Lemon Cake Mix
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg divided
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- Start by combining 1 box Lemon Cake Mix, ⅓ cup butter and 1 large egg in a medium mixing bowl. It is supposed to be a bit crumbly, so do not worry if the dough seems a little bit dry.
- Press into a greased 9×13" inch baking pan.
- Beat 8 oz. cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 large egg, and 1½ cups powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Pour on top and smooth out evenly.
- Bake at 350° F and bake for about 30 minutes, until edges are light brown and the top is firm.
- Let cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
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Oh wow… I bet this is amazing!
And pretty easy too!
I do love lemon, and although by hubby does not care for it, sometimes I just have to make it. I love the cream cheese mixture that goes in this recipe.
Oh my, you could do the same thing with a chocolate or butter cake mix!
Ami in heaven my friend? These look absolutely amazing. I think I may make them this weekend. Have a great one. xo
I hope you love them!