Description
Introducing Lemon Delight Cream Cheese Bars—a buttery, citrus-infused dessert that marries the zestiness of lemons with the rich, silky texture of cream cheese. These bars feature a golden crust of crescent roll dough, creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a crisp, sugared topping. Whether for a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner, they offer a perfect conclusion that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray for preparing the pan
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced, divided)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar for topping
- Reserved lemon zest from 1 ½ lemons
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and generously spray it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Create the Bottom Layer
Unroll and press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared dish, stretching gently to create a smooth, even base.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
Mix the zest of 1½ lemons and juice from 2 lemons in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon zest mixture until creamy. Spread evenly over the prepared base.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Gently lay the second can of crescent dough over the cream cheese filling, making sure it reaches the edges of the dish.
Step 5: Add the Butter and Sugar Topping
Brush the top layer with melted butter. Mix the reserved lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and set at the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Let the dessert cool for 20 minutes before lifting it out using the foil. Cut into squares and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe yields about 24 bars. Total preparation time, including baking and chilling, is approximately 2 hours.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- If needed, gently warm thawed bars in a microwave for a few seconds before consuming to enhance flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon Delight Cream Cheese Bars are an exquisite blend of tangy and sweet, perfect for anyone looking to dazzle their taste buds. Their ease of preparation combined with a delectable flavor profile makes them ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs to try out for any occasion.
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Lemon Delight Cream Cheese Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Introducing Lemon Delight Cream Cheese Bars—a buttery, citrus-infused dessert that marries the zestiness of lemons with the rich, silky texture of cream cheese. These bars feature a golden crust of crescent roll dough, creamy lemon cheesecake filling, and a crisp, sugared topping. Whether for a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner, they offer a perfect conclusion that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray for preparing the pan
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced, divided)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar for topping
- Reserved lemon zest from 1 ½ lemons
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and generously spray it with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Create the Bottom Layer Unroll and press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared dish, stretching gently to create a smooth, even base.
- Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling Mix the zest of 1½ lemons and juice from 2 lemons in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon zest mixture until creamy. Spread evenly over the prepared base.
- Step 4: Add the Top Layer Gently lay the second can of crescent dough over the cream cheese filling, making sure it reaches the edges of the dish.
- Step 5: Add the Butter and Sugar Topping Brush the top layer with melted butter. Mix the reserved lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and set at the edges.
- Step 7: Cool and Chill Let the dessert cool for 20 minutes before lifting it out using the foil. Cut into squares and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.