Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars Recipe

If you love lemony desserts and easy-to-make treats, these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars are perfect for you. With layers of buttery crescent roll dough, tangy lemon, and creamy sweetened cream cheese, this dessert is both satisfying and refreshing. This recipe combines simplicity with a zesty, citrusy punch, making it ideal for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet ending to any meal.

Not only are these bars delicious, but they also come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dessert can be prepared. Let’s dive into the recipe and make some irresistible lemon bars that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooking spray: To prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.

2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided: One package forms the base, and the other forms the top layer.
2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided: Provides the bright, tangy lemon flavor.
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: The creamy center that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

½ cup white sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese filling.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed on top of the dough for a golden, crispy finish.
3 tablespoons white sugar: Combined with lemon zest to sprinkle over the top for added sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 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 coat it with cooking spray. This makes it easier to lift the bars out once baked.

2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Base

Unroll one package of the crescent roll dough. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to the edges to create an even layer. This will form the bottom crust for your bars.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the lemon juice and ¾ of the lemon zest. Add the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be free of lumps and have a nice tangy flavor from the lemon.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

4. Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese mixture. Stretch the dough to the edges of the dish, making sure it covers the filling completely.
Brush the top layer with melted butter for a rich, golden crust.

5. Lemon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons sugar and the remaining lemon zest. Sprinkle this lemon-sugar mixture over the top of the buttered dough. This will create a sweet, zesty crunch once baked.

6. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The bars should be set in the middle and the edges should be crispy.

7. Cool and Slice

Once the bars are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. After cooling, lift the dessert from the pan using the aluminum foil and transfer it to a cutting board.
Cut the dessert into squares while still on the foil for easy handling. You can either serve them immediately or store them in the refrigerator for a chilled version of this treat.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Stretch the Crescent Dough Carefully: Crescent dough can tear easily, so stretch it gently when covering the cream cheese layer. If any tears appear, simply pinch them back together.
Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give this dessert its bright, zesty flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can be too acidic and lack the same fresh taste.
Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a firmer texture, let the bars cool completely and chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This makes them easier to slice and gives them a more defined structure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat or light cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version. However, the texture may be slightly different, and the filling might not be as creamy.

2. Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry?

While crescent roll dough is ideal for this recipe because of its soft, buttery texture, puff pastry can be used for a flakier, more delicate result. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as puff pastry may cook faster.

3. How long can I store the Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars?

You can store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also taste great chilled, so feel free to serve them straight from the fridge.

4. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars. Once baked and cooled, cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

5. Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other citrus fruits, like orange or lime, for a different flavor twist. You could also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling for a richer taste.

By following this simple recipe, you’ll have a delicious batch of Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as a special treat at home, these zesty bars are sure to be a hit!