If you have a craving for something bright, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe. These bars combine the tangy punch of fresh lemons with the rich smoothness of cream cheese, all nestled between layers of buttery, flaky crescent roll dough. It’s a fantastic treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, and perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just savoring yourself on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that together create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component has a vital role: the crescent roll dough brings flaky, golden layers; cream cheese adds luxurious creaminess; and fresh lemons provide that bright, refreshing zing you’ll love.
- Cooking spray: Essential to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the pan.
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough: These give you flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced: Fresh zest and juice provide that unmistakable tart citrus flavor that wakes up every bite.
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the bars that balances the lemon’s brightness perfectly.
- ½ cup white sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right to temper the tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds a subtle richness and helps the top crust turn an irresistible golden brown.
- 3 tablespoons white sugar: Mixed with lemon zest to sprinkle on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven and generously spraying a baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step is crucial to ensure your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly, preserving that perfect crust you’re aiming for in this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe.
Step 2: Layer the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. This will be the flaky base that supports the luscious lemon and cream cheese filling.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Spread this vibrant mixture evenly over the dough layer. This filling is the star of the show, combining smooth richness with refreshing lemon flavor to create an irresistible contrast.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer of Dough
Roll out the second package of crescent roll dough and place it gently on top of the cream cheese filling. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle with the combined 3 tablespoons sugar and lemon zest. This step adds a golden sheen and a sparkle of sweet citrus crunch that makes these bars so special.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake until the top is beautifully golden and the filling is set. Baking creates that flaky contrast between the crust and creamy center that will keep everyone reaching for more.
Step 6: Cool and Chill Before Serving
Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for a bit before cutting. This ensures clean slices and allows the flavors to meld into an even more delicious experience.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, dust the bars with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices or a few fresh mint leaves. These additions elevate the presentation and hint at the tangy delight inside.
Side Dishes
These bars shine wonderfully on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy, citrus notes. They’re also a lovely pairing with a light cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares for a buffet or party platter. Serve them on a pretty cake stand or rustic wooden board to make your guests feel like they’re indulging in a special treat crafted with love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe comfortably in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This refrigeration keeps the bars fresh and maintains their creamy texture and flaky layers.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, heat the bars gently in the oven at a low temperature until slightly warm. Avoid microwaving to preserve the flaky texture of the crust and creamy consistency of the filling.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Using homemade dough will give you even more control over flavor and texture, though the crescent rolls save a lot of time and still provide a beautiful flaky crust perfect for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe.
How tart will these bars be?
The lemon juice and zest create a bright, refreshing tartness balanced by the creamy sweetness of the cheese and sugar, resulting in a perfectly harmonious flavor – not too sharp, just delightfully lively.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, you’ll need to substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free pastry crust. Just be sure it holds up well in baking and complements the creamy lemon filling.
What is the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing is key. Use a sharp knife and consider wiping the blade clean between cuts to keep slices neat and pretty.
Can these bars be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try swapping cream cheese with a suitable vegan cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free crescent dough. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is such a gem to have in your dessert repertoire. It’s bright, creamy, and endlessly satisfying with just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat, it’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few hugs of appreciation. Go ahead — bake a batch, share the love, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these refreshing Lemon Cream Cheese Bars featuring a buttery crescent roll crust layered with a smooth lemon-infused cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these bars are baked until golden and topped with a zesty sugar sprinkle, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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 (for topping sugar mixture)
For the Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons (from above zest included in topping)
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the dough. Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Prepare the lemon cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of white sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or a whisk.
- Assemble the filling. Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough layer in the baking dish.
- Add the top layer. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese filling, sealing the edges around the sides.
- Finish the topping. Brush the melted butter evenly over the top crescent roll dough layer, then sprinkle with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of white sugar combined with the reserved lemon zest for a sweet and zesty crust.
- Bake the bars. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and chill. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into 24 squares and serving chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make mixing easier and smoother.
- You can adjust the lemon juice amount for a more or less tart flavor to suit your preference.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to a month.
- Cut bars with a hot knife for cleaner slices, wiping the blade between cuts.
- Serving chilled enhances the creamy texture and flavor contrast.
