Sunshine in a Bite: Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a heavenly blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheese? Look no further than our exquisite Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe! A delightful variation of the classic lemon bars, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game to new heights. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor, velvety cream cheese, and a buttery crust, these bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the culinary magic and discover how to create these irresistible treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients to Create Culinary Magic:

For the Crust:

• Cooking spray
• 2 (8oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury), divided

For the Creamy Filling:

• 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
• 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 Cup white sugar

For the Topping:

• 2 Tbs butter, melted
• 3 Tbs white sugar

Directions to Craft Perfection:

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degreesF (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil and generously spray with cooking spray.
2. Create the Crust: Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it stretches to the edges evenly.
3. Whip Up the Creamy Filling: In a bowl, combine the zest of 1 1/2 lemons and juice from 2 lemons. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into the lemon zest mixture until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious mixture over the crescent roll dough layer.
4. Layer and Top: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently layer it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching the dough to cover the filling entirely. Brush melted butter over the top layer of crescent roll dough. Mix the remaining lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle this delightful blend over the butter.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake until the top turns a glorious golden brown, typically around 30 minutes. Once baked, allow it to cool for about 20 minutes.
6. Slice and Chill: Carefully lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil, then transfer it to a cutting board. Cut it into squares while still on the foil, then return the bars to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, preferably for at least 1 hour.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:

• For a Crispier Bottom: If you prefer a slightly crispier bottom and easier handling, bake the first layer of dough for 15 minutes before adding the filling. Allow it to cool before spreading the creamy filling and topping it with the second layer of dough. Then, bake as directed for a delectable result.
• Experiment with Phyllo Dough: For a unique twist, try using phyllo dough instead of crescent roll dough. The delicate layers of phyllo add a wonderful crunch to these bars, elevating them to gourmet status.

Share the Love:

If you’ve fallen head over heels for this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share the joy with your friends and family, and spread the love one delicious bite at a time.

Now that you’re armed with the secrets to creating culinary perfection, it’s time to unleash your inner pastry chef and treat yourself to a slice of heaven. Indulge in the divine flavors of lemon and cream cheese, and savor every moment of this delectable dessert experience.