Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Made with crescent roll dough, cream cheese, and fresh lemon zest and juice, these bars are an irresistible dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With a flaky crust and a smooth, creamy lemon filling, this treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering, holiday dessert, or an afternoon snack. Lemon dessert bars like this are sure to please everyone with their refreshing citrus flavor and light, airy texture. Ready in just under an hour, this simple recipe is a must-try for lovers of easy citrus desserts.

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a creamy, smooth filling surrounded by a golden, flaky crust. With a touch of fresh lemon zest and juice, this easy dessert is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. The combination of crescent roll dough, cream cheese, and a hint of lemon makes these bars a refreshing and indulgent treat.

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Ingredients

• 1 serving cooking spray
• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced (divided)
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons white sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with foil, then lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar. Add the zest of 1.5 lemons and the juice of 2 lemons, and continue whipping until smooth and combined.

3. Assemble the Bars

Roll out one package of crescent roll dough and lay it flat in the prepared baking dish, pressing it to fit. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Top with the second sheet of dough, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.

4. Add the Lemon Topping

In a small bowl, mix the remaining lemon zest with melted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Brush this mixture evenly over the top layer of dough.

5. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Once chilled, use the edges of the foil to lift the bars out of the dish. Slice into squares and serve.

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Tips

• Don’t overmix the cream cheese filling: For a smooth, creamy texture, mix the cream cheese and sugar until just combined. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too runny.
• Chill before cutting: It’s important to refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing, as this helps the bars hold their shape and gives them time to set.
• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give these bars the best flavor, so avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Add fruit: For an extra burst of flavor, you can top the cream cheese filling with fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, before adding the second layer of dough.
• Use puff pastry: If you prefer a flakier crust, swap out the crescent roll dough for puff pastry sheets.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or pie crust to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Try flavored cream cheese: Swap out the plain cream cheese for flavored varieties, like vanilla or lemon cream cheese, for an extra layer of flavor.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Simply refrigerate them after baking and slice just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag.

Q: Can I use a different fruit besides lemon?
A: Yes, you can substitute the lemon with lime, orange, or even berry flavors for a fun twist on this recipe.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat at a summer gathering.
• Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade for the perfect afternoon snack.
• These bars also make a great addition to brunch spreads or holiday dessert tables.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy: The cream cheese filling combined with the lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich, flaky crust.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together quickly and bake in only 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight cravings.
• Deliciously creamy and flaky: The combination of crescent dough and cream cheese results in a dessert that’s both indulgent and light, with a golden crust and smooth filling.
• Versatile: This recipe is easy to customize with different fruits or flavors, making it adaptable for any occasion.

Enjoy these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars—a delightful, simple, and delicious treat everyone will love!