Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon flavor with creamy richness, nestled between layers of flaky crescent roll dough. This recipe is a perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing yet indulgent dessert option. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Unroll 1 crescent roll dough; press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to the edges.
- Mix together lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into juice-zest mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; spread over crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Unroll remaining crescent roll dough and place over cream cheese mixture, stretching to the edges. Brush melted butter on top. Mix together 3 tablespoons sugar and remaining lemon zest in a small bowl; sprinkle over melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Lift dessert from the baking dish using foil; transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares, leaving on foil. Return dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Recipe Tip:
- You can make this recipe with Splenda and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars present a delectable combination of citrusy freshness and creamy decadence. Whether served as a sweet treat for gatherings or as a delightful indulgence for everyday enjoyment, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe and savor the burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
- Can I Use Homemade Crescent Roll Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
- Absolutely! While the convenience of store-bought crescent roll dough is undeniable, you can certainly opt for homemade dough if you prefer. Homemade dough can offer a more customizable flavor and texture to your bars. Simply follow your favorite crescent roll dough recipe and adjust the quantities as needed to fit the dimensions of the baking dish.
- Can I Substitute Lemon Extract for Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest?
- Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for fresh lemon juice and zest, but with caution. Lemon extract is more concentrated than fresh lemon juice and zest, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity accordingly. Start with a small amount of lemon extract, such as 1-2 teaspoons, and taste the cream cheese mixture as you go. Add more extract gradually until you achieve your desired level of lemon flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor of lemon extract can be stronger and slightly different from fresh lemon juice and zest, so adjust accordingly.
- How Can I Store Lemon Cream Cheese Bars for Later Consumption?
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To ensure freshness and prevent the bars from becoming too soggy, consider placing a layer of parchment paper between the bars when stacking them in the container. Alternatively, you can individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply unwrap and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I Freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars for Future Enjoyment?
- Yes, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars can be frozen for future enjoyment. To freeze, first, ensure that the bars are completely cooled to room temperature. Then, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to seal them well to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Stored properly, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the bars may slightly change after freezing and thawing, but they will still be delicious.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a sweet and tangy dessert with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling layered over a buttery crust. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and flour. Mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
5. Serve:
- Once chilled, slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Zest for Extra Lemon Flavor: Add more lemon zest for a bolder citrus taste.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.