Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
3. Add the Butter: Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even layer.
5. Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Spread Over Crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Prepare the Lemon Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour Over Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Bars

1. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon topping is set and slightly golden.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Chill: For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
2. Cut and Serve: Cut into 16 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious lemon cream cheese bars!