If you’re looking for a bright, tangy treat that’s both creamy and refreshing, the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These bars bring together the zesty punch of fresh lemons with the smooth, rich texture of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re serving them at a get-together or just craving a sweet and citrusy snack, these bars hit the perfect balance between tart and sweet, making them irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to making these bars shine. Each element plays a key role, from lending creaminess and tang to providing that flaky, buttery base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Cooking Spray: Essential for greasing your baking dish to ensure easy release and a clean crust edge.
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough: This forms the flaky, golden crust that’s both tender and slightly crisp.
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide that vibrant citrus flavor that makes these bars truly unforgettable.
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese gives the filling its signature richness and creaminess.
- ½ cup white sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the lemon’s tartness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed on top to create a golden, buttery finish during baking.
- 3 tablespoons white sugar: Combined with lemon zest to add a sweet, sparkly topping that’s just the right touch.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature and carefully spraying your baking dish with cooking spray. This small step ensures the bars won’t stick and helps create the perfect crust that’s easy to cut.
Step 2: Layer the Crescent Dough
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. This base layer forms the flaky crust that supports the luscious filling, so make sure to cover every corner for even baking.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and half a cup of sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating that dreamy filling that bursts with bright citrus flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Spread the Filling
Spread this creamy lemon mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer in your baking dish. Take your time to get an even layer, ensuring every bar will have that perfect balance of creaminess and zest.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Finish
Carefully unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and layer it over the lemon cream cheese mixture. Brush the melted butter gently across the top, then sprinkle the mixture of three tablespoons white sugar and lemon zest. This finishing touch adds sparkle and a hint of crunch once baked.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Bake the bars until they are a beautiful golden brown on top, usually about 25-30 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before chilling in the fridge. This step helps the filling set, making slices neat and firm for serving.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by adding a few simple garnishes. Fresh lemon slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a small sprig of mint can elevate the bars visually and give an extra hint of freshness that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars make a delightful sweet finish to a summer meal or brunch. Pair them with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn a simple dessert into a show-stopping plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares for an irresistible finger food option. You can serve them on a pretty platter lined with lemon leaves or decorative paper to add a touch of charm and invite your guests to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and chilled, these lemon cream cheese bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage keeps the bars fresh and moist, preserving their creamy texture and zingy lemon notes for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delightful flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe again, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve them chilled or bring them to room temperature; warming is not necessary as these bars are best enjoyed cold to appreciate their refreshing lemon creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?
It’s best to use refrigerated crescent roll dough as it’s designed to bake evenly into a flaky crust. Frozen dough might take longer to thaw and could affect texture, so be sure to thaw thoroughly and use as directed.
How tart will the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars be?
The bars strike a lovely balance between tart and sweet. The fresh lemon juice and zest provide bright citrus notes that are mellowed by the rich cream cheese and sugar, creating a zesty but smooth flavor profile.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Since the crust relies on crescent roll dough, which contains gluten, this recipe is not gluten-free as is. For a gluten-free version, consider substituting with a gluten-free pastry crust or a crumble crust that matches your dietary needs.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and cut while the bars are fully chilled. This helps the cream cheese filling to stay firm and prevents the crust from flaking apart.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of poppy seeds can add interesting flavors. You can also swirl in some raspberry jam for a fruity twist alongside the lemon.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe that brightens up any day. The combination of zesty lemons and luscious cream cheese tucked inside a buttery crust is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite that brings smiles to your table time and time again.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful, tangy dessert featuring layers of flaky crescent roll dough filled with a smooth lemon cream cheese mixture. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors, ideal for a refreshing treat or party dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- Cooking spray, as needed
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ½ cup white sugar
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- lemon zest from additional 1 lemon (to mix with sugar for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Bottom Dough: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Spread Filling Over Dough: Evenly spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer of crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Add Top Layer of Dough: Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it gently over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely without tearing.
- Apply Butter and Sugar Topping: Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons white sugar with additional lemon zest, and sprinkle this mixture evenly on top for added sweetness and a citrusy aroma.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the filling set and flavors meld before slicing into 24 bars and serving.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- Handle the crescent roll dough gently to avoid tearing when layering.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon zest for a stronger or milder citrus flavor according to your preference.
- Chilling before slicing helps the bars hold their shape better.
- If you prefer a sweeter topping, you can increase the sugar quantity slightly.
