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Lemon Cake Bars with Pecans and Cream Cheese

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Luscious lemon, cream cheese and pecans come together in these easy to make dessert bars. They are quick and fabulous!

piece of lemon cake bar with cream cheese and pecan topping and lemon slices.

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.

Bowl of thick pale yellow lemon cake dough, ready to be pressed into a pan.

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.

piece of lemon cream cheese bars on plate with pecans and slice of lemon.

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 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.

creamy lemon cake bar with pecans on plate with lemon slice and fork

 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!

More Great Lemon Treats

For another great lemon cake, try homemade lemon Bundt cake. Or you can make a lemon velvet cake, it’s a frosted layered beauty. Both are great options!

Or make some super soft lemon cookies. They have a cakey texture and a great glaze that make them irresistible.

What are your favorite lemon desserts? I am ready to try them all!

piece of lemon cake bar with cream cheese and pecan topping and lemon slices.

Lemon Cake Bars with Pecans and Cream Cheese

Carlee
Luscious lemon, cream cheese and pecans come together in these easy to make dessert bars. They are quick and fabulous!
5 from 7 ratings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 313 kcal

Ingredients
 

Crust

  • 1 Lemon Cake Mix
  • cup butter
  • 1 large egg

Filling

  • 8 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1 large egg divided
  • cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F
  • Start by combining your cake mix, butter and 1 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.
    1 Lemon Cake Mix, ⅓ cup butter, 1 large egg
  • Press into a greased 9×13" inch baking pan.
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth.
    8 oz. cream cheese
  • Add an egg, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
    1 large egg, 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • Fold in your chopped pecans.
    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

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 378mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33g
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Recipe Rating




Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Thursday 12th of March 2020

Oh wow... I bet this is amazing!

Carlee

Thursday 19th of March 2020

And pretty easy too!

Amy

Monday 24th of February 2020

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.

Carlee

Monday 2nd of March 2020

Oh my, you could do the same thing with a chocolate or butter cake mix!

Andrea Nine

Friday 21st of February 2020

Ami in heaven my friend? These look absolutely amazing. I think I may make them this weekend. Have a great one. xo

Carlee

Monday 2nd of March 2020

I hope you love them!