Description
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars feature a luscious blend of tangy lemon and smooth cream cheese layered between buttery crescent roll dough. Perfectly baked to a golden brown with a sweet, zesty topping, they make a delightful treat for dessert or any time you crave a fresh, creamy lemon bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Topping
- Cooking spray, as needed
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 2 lemons (for filling, included above)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Dough: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and spread it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing to cover the surface completely.
- Make Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ½ cup white sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll dough layer in the baking dish.
- Add Top Layer: Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese filling, gently pressing to cover.
- Finish with Butter and Sugar: Brush the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons white sugar with the lemon zest and sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled before slicing into squares to serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth filling.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your preferred sweetness level.
- Chilling the bars before cutting helps achieve cleaner slices.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice slightly.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
