Description
The Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Bars fuse the zesty freshness of lemon with the creamy texture of cream cheese, all layered between flaky crescent roll dough. This dessert offers a delectable balance between tart and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for summer picnics, festive gatherings, or as a delightful treat to brighten any day of the year.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury(R) Recipe Creations(R)), divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the First Layer of Dough
Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, extending it to cover the edges.
3. Create Lemon Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the zest of 1 1/2 lemons with the juice from 2 lemons. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into the lemon mixture until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Cream Cheese Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
5. Place the Second Layer of Dough
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place over the cream cheese layer, gently stretching it to meet the edges. Brush the top with melted butter.
6. Add Lemon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this over the buttered dough.
7. Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven until the top layer is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes before transferring to a cutting board using the foil as aid. Cut into squares and then refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 1 hour.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 12 people. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes, not including the chilling time.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Although these bars are best enjoyed cold, they can be gently warmed in the microwave if desired. Heat on low power for a few seconds to prevent the cream cheese from melting unevenly.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Bars are a splendid combination of simplicity and flavor. They are easy to make and provide a refreshing, tangy twist that can elevate any meal or gathering. Whether served as a cool treat on a hot day or as a comforting indulgence in cooler weather, these bars are sure to delight any palate.
PrintLemon Cream Cheese Delight Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
The Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Bars fuse the zesty freshness of lemon with the creamy texture of cream cheese, all layered between flaky crescent roll dough. This dessert offers a delectable balance between tart and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for summer picnics, festive gatherings, or as a delightful treat to brighten any day of the year.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury(R) Recipe Creations(R)), divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Arrange the First Layer of Dough: Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, extending it to cover the edges.
- Create Lemon Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the zest of 1 1/2 lemons with the juice from 2 lemons. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into the lemon mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Place the Second Layer of Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place over the cream cheese layer, gently stretching it to meet the edges. Brush the top with melted butter.
- Add Lemon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this over the buttered dough.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven until the top layer is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes before transferring to a cutting board using the foil as aid. Cut into squares and then refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 1 hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes