If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with lemony freshness and a creamy surprise, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are your answer. Combining the tangy zest of lemons with the richness of cream cheese and the buttery goodness of crescent rolls, this recipe will become a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, then lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
2. Create the Base:
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to cover the entire surface.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the juice from the lemons and 3/4 of the zest.
- Add the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of dough in the baking dish.
- Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the top with the melted butter.
5. Add a Sweet Finish:
- Combine 3 tablespoons of sugar and the remaining lemon zest in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle this zesty sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface.
6. Bake and Cool:
- Bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool for 20 minutes.
7. Slice and Chill:
- Use the foil to lift the dessert out of the baking dish.
- Slice it into squares while it’s still on the foil.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes + chilling
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 12
Enjoy these zesty bars as a delightful snack, a refreshing dessert, or a standout addition to your next brunch. The layers of buttery dough and luscious cream cheese filling will keep your taste buds coming back for more!
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Infused with the zesty tang of fresh lemons and the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional dessert bar. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided
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
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press into the bottom of the prepared dish, stretching to the edges.
In a large bowl, mix together the juice from the lemons and 3/4 of the zest. Add the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar, and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough in the baking dish.
Unroll the second package of dough and place over the cream cheese layer. Brush with melted butter.
Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and the remaining lemon zest in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the butter.
Bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes.
Lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil, cut into squares while still on the foil, and then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350