Lemon Cream Cheese Squares - Tangy and Creamy Dessert Bars - Recipes by Clare

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for a buttery crust.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness in the crust.
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds warmth to the crust flavor.
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for structure in the crust.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp, balances flavors in the crust.
• Cream cheese: 8 oz package, softened for creamy filling.
• Powdered sugar: 1 cup, sweetens and smooths the filling.
• Large egg: 1, for binding the filling.
• Lemon zest: 2 tbsp, provides bright citrus flavor.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1/4 cup, adds tanginess to the filling.