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

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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.