Decadent Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars: A Zesty, Creamy Delight
Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars! While they might have a long and descriptive name, every word is earned. This delightful recipe, originally shared by acclaimed cookbook author Greg Patent and popularized by Cooking Light, has been a favorite in my kitchen for years. The addition of “Cottage” in the title highlights a trending ingredient, but more importantly, it underscores how this humble cheese contributes to an irresistibly light and creamy texture, making these bars a fantastic and unique way to enjoy a classic lemon treat. If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances zesty lemon with a rich, buttery crunch and a smooth, tangy filling, look no further.
The Perfect Blend: Zesty Lemon and Creamy Cottage Cheese
These Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars are truly exceptional. I’ve been baking them for years, experimenting with various forms, but always returning to a version that honors Mr. Patent’s original brilliance. The foundation is a buttery, crisp crust made with dark brown sugar, giving it a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the vibrant lemon. The star of the show, however, is the smooth, tangy filling, made surprisingly delightful with low-fat cottage cheese. This ingredient is key to achieving a luscious, lighter texture that’s less dense than traditional cheesecake but equally satisfying. For anyone interested in exploring more fantastic recipes, I highly recommend checking out Greg Patent’s cookbooks; his “Baking in America” is a personal favorite. You might even discover, as I did by accident, that his wife, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, is also a prolific and talented author, particularly of children’s non-fiction. It’s always a treat to find such creative minds!
What makes these bars stand out is the harmonious contrast: the tender, slightly spiced butter crunch crust provides a delightful counterpoint to the bright, creamy lemon filling. The cottage cheese, once processed, transforms into an incredibly smooth base, delivering that characteristic tang without being overly heavy. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet surprisingly fresh, making it suitable for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to an elegant potluck offering.
Here’s an older photo from one of my early attempts at these fantastic lemon bars. While they tasted incredible, I didn’t quite give them the proper chilling time for perfect slicing. Don’t worry, I’ve learned from my past mistakes, and in the updated recipe below, I emphasize the importance of patience for beautifully set bars!
The Secret to Success: Chill Time and Variations
When it comes to perfecting your Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars, patience truly is a virtue, especially concerning chill time. These bars absolutely require ample time to set. For the best texture and cleanest slices, I highly recommend chilling them overnight. This allows the creamy filling to firm up completely and the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dessert that’s easy to handle and even more delicious. Once thoroughly chilled, these bars also freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for entertaining or simply to enjoy a sweet treat whenever a craving strikes.
Beyond serving them plain, these versatile lemon bars can be dressed up to suit any preference. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and extra creaminess, while a scattering of fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce can introduce another layer of fruitiness and visual appeal. For those who adore the bright, tangy kick of citrus, consider substituting lime zest and juice for lemon. This simple swap transforms them into a Key lime-inspired delight, perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile. The slight bitterness of lime juice pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart filling and crunchy crust.
If you’re a fan of lemon bars but are sometimes short on time, you might also enjoy my Cake Mix Lemon Cheese Bars, a quicker and more convenient option for a delightful lemony dessert. However, for a truly unparalleled experience in flavor and texture, these Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars are absolutely worth the extra effort and patience. The combination of a robust crust, a smooth and tangy filling, and the unique touch of cottage cheese creates a dessert that stands apart.
This recipe provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with your favorite spices. While mace or nutmeg is traditionally used in the crust, you could try a hint of cardamom for an exotic twist, or even a touch of cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile. The possibilities for personalization are endless, ensuring that these bars can become a staple in your dessert repertoire for years to come. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures are sure to impress.
- Cottage Cheese Double Chocolate Cookies
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Recipe: Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars
Butter Crunch Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened, do not use tub style for best results
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (approximately 4.5 oz/127 grams)
Filling:
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2% is recommended for optimal texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (from approximately 2 medium lemons)
- 3 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square metal baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil, ensuring enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray, or use nonstick foil or parchment paper as preferred. This step is crucial for effortless removal.
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To prepare the delightful butter crunch crust, combine the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, salt, and ground mace (or nutmeg) in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, lightly spoon 1 cup of all-purpose flour into a dry measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Add this flour to the butter mixture and beat at a low speed just until it’s well-blended and forms a cohesive dough. Press this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C), then remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
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For the creamy lemon filling, place the low-fat cottage cheese into a food processor. Process for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes remarkably smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure no lumps remain. Add the granulated sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, baking powder, the large egg, and the large egg white to the food processor. Process until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour this luscious filling over the cooled crust in the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. The final and most important step for perfect texture is to cover the pan and chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This extensive chilling time ensures the bars firm up beautifully and are easy to slice and serve.
Notes