Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
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. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to fit the edges.
- 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.
- Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching to cover completely.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- 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.
Notes
- To prevent sogginess, pre-bake the bottom crescent roll dough layer until lightly golden before adding the cream cheese mixture.
- Use fresh lemons for a brighter, more natural flavor instead of lemon extract.
- Chill the bars before serving for better texture and flavor melding.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add fresh berries or chopped nuts for variety and extra flavor.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used but may alter texture and richness slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/lemon-cream-cheese-bars/
