There’s something irresistibly refreshing about the combination of lemons and cream cheese, especially when they come together in a dessert. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious, look no further than this delightful recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Perfect for spring picnics, summer BBQs, or just a cozy treat at home, these bars offer a blend of creamy texture and zesty flavor that’s sure to please any palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages crescent roll dough: The base and top layer of our bars, providing a buttery, flaky texture.
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested: The stars of the show, offering that bright, citrusy flavor that’s both refreshing and tangy.
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened: The creamy counterpart to our lemons, adding a rich and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, buttery flavor when brushed over the top layer.
Directions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Don’t forget to give it a light coat with cooking spray for easy removal.
- Creating the Base: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, stretching it to fit the edges. This layer will form the base of your bars.
- The Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest. With an electric mixer, blend in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- The Top Layer: Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough, placing it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Stretch it out to the edges, then brush the top with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish.
- Final Touches: Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with the leftover lemon zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle this zesty sugar over the melted butter for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
- Baking: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top is a lovely golden brown, which should take about 30 minutes. After baking, allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Chilling: Using the foil, lift the dessert from the baking dish and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the dessert into squares, then place them back in the dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Serving and Enjoyment
After chilling, your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are ready to serve. These bars make a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a refreshing burst of lemon paired with creamy, sweet cheese on a flaky crust. With a total preparation and cooking time of 1 hour and 50 minutes, you can easily prepare this dessert as a sweet treat for your family, or impress guests at your next gathering.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars promise a satisfying dessert experience that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. The combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheese, all nestled between layers of flaky pastry, creates a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite. So, why wait? Indulge in the sweet, tangy pleasure of these lemony delights today!
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
2 packages crescent roll dough
2 lemons, juiced and zested
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
Unroll 1 package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to the edges.
In a large bowl, mix together the lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest. Beat in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
Unroll the remaining crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching it to the edges. Brush the melted butter on top.
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and the remaining lemon zest. Sprinkle this over the melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow it to cool for about 20 minutes.
Lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil; transfer it to a cutting board. Cut it into squares, leaving it on the foil. Return the dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes | Servings: 12