Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The crescent roll dough provides a flaky and slightly sweet crust, while the cream cheese filling is infused with lemon zest and juice, delivering a refreshing citrusy taste. Topped with a buttery glaze and a sprinkle of sugar, they bake to a golden perfection that's both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup white sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons white sugar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.

2. Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to fit the edges.

3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, lemon juice, and ¾ of the lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish.

4. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching to cover completely.

5. Brush the top layer with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons sugar with the remaining lemon zest, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

7. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes. Lift them from the baking dish using the aluminum foil and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Additional Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (cooling and chilling)

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• Low-Sugar: Substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like Splenda.

• Add-ins: Incorporate fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries into the cream cheese mixture for added flavor and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

How do I prevent the crescent roll dough from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the bottom layer is pre-baked until lightly golden before adding the cream cheese mixture. This creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade dough, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.

Is it necessary to chill the bars before serving?

Chilling the bars allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making them easier to cut and enhancing the overall taste.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemons?

While lemon extract can be used, fresh lemons provide a brighter and more natural flavor. If using extract, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.

How can I make the bars more lemony?

Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice in the cream cheese mixture. You can also add a few drops of lemon extract for an extra punch.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What can I serve these bars with?

They pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the bars.

Can I add nuts to the bars?

Yes, chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans can be sprinkled on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled between layers of buttery crescent roll dough. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress.

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