These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful blend of tangy lemon flavor and creamy sweetness, all wrapped up in layers of flaky crescent dough. With a buttery topping and a refreshing citrus twist, these bars are the perfect dessert for gatherings, parties, or just an indulgent treat for yourself. The balance of tart lemon and creamy filling makes each bite irresistible.
The process is simple, using store-bought crescent roll dough as the base and top layers. The filling is a luscious combination of cream cheese, sugar, and fresh lemon juice, ensuring a zesty and creamy texture. A buttery, sugared topping sprinkled with lemon zest adds a satisfying crunch and an extra burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect Texture: Creamy filling paired with flaky crescent dough.
• Refreshing Citrus Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give these bars a delightful tang.
Ingredients
Base and Topping:
• Cooking spray
• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
Filling:
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup white sugar
Topping:
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil hangs over the edges for easy lifting later. Coat the foil with cooking spray.
Step 2: Lay the Bottom Crescent Dough
1. Unroll one package of crescent roll dough.
2. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Cream Cheese Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and ¾ of the lemon zest.
2. Add the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar to the lemon mixture.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
2. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching it to the edges.
Step 5: Add the Buttery Topping
1. Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent dough.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining lemon zest. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
1. Using the foil, lift the dessert out of the baking dish and transfer it to a cutting board.
2. Cut the dessert into squares while still on the foil.
3. Return the cut squares to the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled.
Tips
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch the bars closely in the last few minutes of baking to ensure the top doesn’t overbrown.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
