Cottage Cheese Lemon Custard Bars

If you like lemon bars, you are going to want to try these cottage cheese lemon custard bars. They sit somewhere between a classic lemon bar and a creamy custard.

The secret here is the cottage cheese. When you blend it up, it turns the filling smooth and creamy without any lumps at all.

It also makes the bars feel richer and more custard-like, while keeping that bright lemon flavor front and center.

You get a buttery crust on the bottom and a soft, tangy filling on top. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off nicely.

These are great for when you want something a little different from the usual dessert. Let me show you how I make them.

Why I Love This Recipe

Creamy Custard Texture – Cottage cheese blends into a silky lemon filling with a smooth, rich custard-like bite.

Bright Lemon Flavor – Fresh lemon juice and zest create a lively citrus flavor that keeps each sweet bite refreshing.

Buttery Shortbread Base – The melted butter crust bakes into a tender, lightly crisp foundation for the creamy filling.

Perfect Flavor Balance – Sweet custard, tangy lemon, and a buttery crust come together without tasting heavy.

The Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1/4 tsp Salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup Full Fat Cottage Cheese
• 3 Large Eggs
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
• 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour
• 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Stir together the flour, sugar, melted butter and salt until a soft dough forms, then press it evenly into the pan.

Step 2

Bake the crust for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.

Step 3

While the crust bakes, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and flour to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the filling is completely smooth.

Step 4

Pour the filling over the warm crust.

Step 5

Bake for 22-26 minutes until the filling is set with just a slight jiggle in the very center.

Step 6

Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The cottage cheese makes the filling extra creamy, like a cross between lemon bars and custard.

Step 7

Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Quick Tips

Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese

Full-fat cottage cheese gives the filling a smoother, creamier texture and helps it set properly. Lower-fat cottage cheese can make the custard taste less rich.

Blend the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and flour for the full 1 to 2 minutes. Stop only when no curds remain, since small lumps will stay noticeable after baking.

Press The Crust Evenly

Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly into the pan. Pay close attention to the corners, where the dough can become thicker than the center.

An even crust bakes at the same rate throughout and gives each bar a sturdy base. Leave the parchment paper extending over two sides so you can lift the chilled bars out cleanly.

Bake The Crust Until Lightly Golden

The crust should look lightly golden around the edges before you add the filling. If it is still pale and soft, give it another minute or two so it can support the creamy layer.

Pour the blended filling over the crust while it is still warm. This helps the filling settle into the crust instead of creating a separate gap between the two layers.

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Quick Answers

How can I tell when the lemon custard is done baking?

The edges should look set, while the very center should have a slight jiggle when you gently move the pan.

The filling will continue to firm up as it cools and chills, so avoid baking until the center is completely firm.