These bright and tangy lemon cream cheese bars are a delightful dessert with a creamy filling and a sweet, citrusy flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced (divided use)
- Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Remainder of the lemon zest.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Make the Crust:
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to the edges.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and most of the lemon zest, and all of the lemon juice.
- Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust.
- Add the Top Layer:
- Unroll the remaining package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese filling, gently stretching it to the edges.
- Add the Topping:
- Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent roll dough.
- In a small bowl combine the remaining lemon zest with the 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Sprinkle the sugar-lemon zest mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Chill:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
- Use the foil or parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Cut into squares.
- Return the bars to the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the bottom layer of crescent roll dough for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- You can add a powdered sugar dusting before serving.
- For a stronger lemon flavor add more lemon zest to the filling.
- For a different flavor profile, lime zest and juice can be substituted for the lemon.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!