Lemon Cream Bars

Delightfully Tangy Lemon Cream Bars

If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts with a creamy twist, these Lemon Cream Bars are bound to become your new favorite treat. With a buttery crescent roll crust, a luscious lemony cream cheese filling, and a sweet, zesty topping, this dessert is both simple to make and irresistible to taste. Perfect for any occasion, these bars will add a bright, refreshing flavor to your dessert table.

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

Directions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat it with cooking spray. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan later.
2. Prepare the Crust: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stretch it gently to cover the entire bottom of the dish, ensuring an even layer.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the juice from the lemons and 3/4 of the lemon zest. Add the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish. Make sure to smooth it out to ensure an even distribution of the creamy filling.
5. Top with More Dough: Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the filling as much as possible.
6. Add a Buttery Zest Topping: Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with the leftover lemon zest. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, adding an extra burst of citrus flavor.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The aroma of lemon and sugar will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
8. Cool and Chill: Once baked, cool the dish for 20 minutes. Then, using the foil, lift the dessert out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares while still on the foil. Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set.

Quick Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes + chilling
• Calories: 350 per serving
• Servings: 12

These Lemon Cream Bars are a delightful combination of tart and sweet, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you need a bright and refreshing dessert. Enjoy!