Lemon Chess Bars

This easy recipe for Lemon Chess Bars uses cake mix and lemonade mix to create a bright, creamy dessert with hardly any effort. With just 6 simple ingredients, you’ll get a soft, buttery crust topped with a rich lemon layer that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for sharing.

5 from 33 votes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Refrigeration Time 3

Total Time 3 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings bars

Calories 335 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

1 box lemon cake mix (15-16 oz)
1 stick butter (melted)
1 large egg

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup sweetened lemonade drink mix
2 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Combine the lemon cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms, similar to soft cookie dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 7x11" glass baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, lemonade mix, and remaining eggs. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Pour the lemon filling over the prepared crust and gently spread it into an even layer.
Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is mostly set. The center may still jiggle slightly.
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for 3–4 hours, or until fully set. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

The center may still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven - this is totally normal and will set as it chills.
Avoid over-baking to keep the filling creamy and soft.
Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
Make sure to use sweetened powdered lemonade mix for the correct lemon flavor and sweetness.
Grease or line the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
Chill completely before slicing for clean bars and the best texture.
Use a sharp knife (wipe between cuts) for clean slices.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling.
Bars can be made ahead and freeze well for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 399mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg