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Lemon Curd Cake Bars

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These luscious lemon curd cake bars are soft, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. Topped with a creamy lemon curd swirl frosting, they’re sunshine in every bite—ideal for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup lemon curd, plus extra for swirling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
  6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until light and fluffy. Fold in ¼ cup lemon curd.
  10. Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Swirl additional lemon curd on top using a knife or skewer.
  11. Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a more intense lemon flavor, use homemade lemon curd if available.
  • Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for softer texture.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.

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