Discover the irresistible combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese with this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delectable treats!
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8 ounces) packages of refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury(R) Recipe Creations(R)), divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8 ounces) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Base:
- Press 1 can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to the edges.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the zest of 1 1/2 lemons and the juice from 2 lemons.
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into the lemon zest mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll dough layer.
- Add the Top Layer:
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and layer it over the cream cheese mixture, gently stretching the dough to the edges.
- Brush melted butter over the crescent roll dough layer.
- Sprinkle with Lemon Sugar:
- In a bowl, mix the remaining lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Sprinkle the lemon sugar mixture over the buttered crescent roll dough layer.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Chill and Serve:
- Lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Cut the bars into squares, leaving them on the foil.
- Return the dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled at least 1 hour.
- Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars!
FAQs (Based on “People Also Ask” Section):
Let’s address some common questions about making and enjoying Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
1. Can I Use Homemade Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, you can use homemade crescent roll dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to cover the bottom and top layers of the bars evenly.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They may lose a bit of their crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious!
3. Can I Freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Can I Add Other Flavors to the Bars?
Absolutely! You can customize these bars by adding other flavors such as blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips. Just sprinkle them over the cream cheese layer before adding the top layer of dough.
5. Are These Bars Suitable for Special Occasions?
Yes, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are perfect for special occasions like brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Conclusion:
With their irresistible combination of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent roll dough, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are the perfect indulgence. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to delight your taste buds with these heavenly bars!