Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a heavenly combination of tangy lemon, creamy filling, and flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Imagine biting into a dessert that’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and flaky. These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are:
- Easy to Make with simple, store-bought ingredients.
- Versatile for any occasion.
- Irresistibly Delicious and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Main Ingredients :
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (e.g., Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®)
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Optional Additions :
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the sweetness)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need :
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Cooking spray
Electric mixer
Small mixing bowls
Zester or grater
Knife and cutting board
Preparation Tips
Soften cream cheese ahead of time for easier mixing.
Zest the lemons before juicing them to maximize flavor.
Use non-stick aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step Directions :
Prepping the Baking Dish :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
Creating the Bottom Layer :
Press 1 can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to cover the edges evenly.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling :
- In a small bowl, mix the zest of 1½ lemons with the juice of 2 lemons.
- In a larger bowl, beat softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon mixture using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll dough layer evenly.
Adding the Top Layer :
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully layer it over the cream cheese filling, gently stretching it to the edges.
Final Touches :
- Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent roll dough.
- Mix the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Baking and Cooling :
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 20 minutes.
- Use the foil to lift the dessert out of the baking dish and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares, then transfer back to the baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars :
Serve these bars chilled, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bars :
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Ensure the top layer of dough is fully stretched to avoid uneven baking.
- Don’t skip chilling; it helps the bars set properly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Variations to Try
- Berry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of fresh berries between the cream cheese and top dough layers.
- Glazed Lemon Bars: Drizzle a lemon glaze on top for extra sweetness.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea, a glass of lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the bars: This step ensures they firm up for cutting.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the color of the top dough layer.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving)
Calories: ~250
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 15g
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. Their sweet-tangy flavor and creamy texture make them a must-try for any occasion. With simple ingredients and an easy recipe, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch today!
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, puff pastry or phyllo dough can work as substitutes. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free crescent roll dough. - What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice and pre-grated zest, but fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor. - Can I add other fruits?
Yes, blueberries or raspberries pair wonderfully with the lemon flavor. - How far in advance can I make these bars?
You can make them up to 2 days ahead and store them in the fridge until serving.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a heavenly combination of tangy lemon, creamy filling, and flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious!
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (e.g., Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®)
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the sweetness)
Instructions
Prepping the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
Creating the Bottom Layer
- Press 1 can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to cover the edges evenly.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the zest of 1½ lemons with the juice of 2 lemons.
- In a larger bowl, beat softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon mixture using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll dough layer evenly.
Adding the Top Layer
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully layer it over the cream cheese filling, gently stretching it to the edges.
Final Touches
- Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent roll dough.
- Mix the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 20 minutes.
- Use the foil to lift the dessert out of the baking dish and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares, then transfer back to the baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time:: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 250
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. Their sweet-tangy flavor and creamy texture make them a must-try for any occasion. With simple ingredients and an easy recipe, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch today!
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
