Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
These Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars offer a delightful combination of tangy lemon flavor and creamy richness, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Layered between buttery crescent roll dough, the smooth cream cheese filling infused with lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert.
Topped with a buttery glaze and a sprinkle of sugar for a touch of sweetness, these bars are baked to golden perfection, resulting in a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshingly citrusy. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to please with their irresistible lemony goodness.
Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, full fat and softened
1 tube of crescent roll dough
2 lemons, juiced and zested
½ cup +1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp butter, unsalted and melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking pan using a nonstick spray.
Take the crescent roll dough. Divide it in half. Put one-half into the pan. Press the seams together.
In a bowl combine softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, ½ cup sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it becomes smooth.
Spread the mixture of cream cheese over the dough, in the pan.
Take the half of the dough. Place it on top. Press the seams together. Stretch if necessary.
Bake, for 25 to 30 minutes. Until it turns golden brown.
Drizzle melted butter over the top, brush it to cover and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
Allow it to cool down then refrigerate for 6 hours.
Slice them up. Savor these Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars!
Notes
Cream Cheese Mixture: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth texture when mixed with lemon juice, zest, sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture forms the creamy and tangy filling for the bars.
Crescent Roll Dough Handling: Divide the crescent roll dough in half and carefully press it into the greased baking pan, ensuring to seal the seams well. This creates a sturdy base and top crust for the bars.
Baking Time: Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown on top. This ensures the dough is fully cooked and the cream cheese filling is set.
Butter Drizzle and Sugar Topping: After baking, drizzle melted butter over the bars and brush it evenly to cover the surface. Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top for a sweet and slightly crunchy finish.
Cooling and Refrigeration: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring to the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to firm up the filling and enhance flavors.
Serving: Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and serve cold. The bars can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat alongside tea or coffee.
To add a gluten-free twist, to these Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars you have the option to easily substitute the crescent roll dough. You can find gluten free puff pastry or crescent roll dough at your specialty grocery store.
Just make sure it’s labeled as gluten free to accommodate dietary restrictions. Simply follow the recipe instructions as usual. Use the gluten-free dough instead of regular crescent roll dough.
This way you can enjoy the creamy flavors while catering to those who are sensitive to gluten. So go ahead. Relish every bite of this gluten-free treat!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor compared to full-fat cream cheese.
Full-fat cream cheese typically provides a creamier and richer taste.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can try using puff pastry as a substitute.
Roll out the puff pastry to fit your baking pan and follow the recipe as directed.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand.
However, fresh lemon juice often has a more vibrant and authentic citrus flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars for the full 6 hours?
Refrigerating the bars for at least 6 hours allows them to set and develop their flavors fully.
It’s best to follow the recommended refrigeration time for the best results.
You can also refrigerate them overnight if you prefer.
Can I add other ingredients like berries or nuts to the cream cheese mixture?
Yes, you can customize these bars by adding ingredients like berries, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture.
Just be sure to adjust the quantities and consider how additional ingredients may affect the baking time and texture.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese as a substitute for full-fat cream cheese in this recipe.
However, using full-fat cream cheese will typically result in a richer and creamier texture.
What size baking pan should I use?
The recipe doesn’t specify the exact size of the baking pan, but you can use a standard 9×13-inch baking pan for this recipe.
If you use a different size, just be aware that it may affect the thickness of the bars and the baking time.
Can I make these bars ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and freeze them for later.
Once they are fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing.
Thaw them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What can I substitute for the lemon zest if I don’t have lemons?
If you don’t have fresh lemons for zest, you can substitute lemon extract or lemon zest from a jar (found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores).
Use it sparingly, as the concentrated flavor can be stronger than fresh zest.
Can I add a glaze or frosting on top of these bars for extra sweetness?
Yes, you can certainly add a glaze or frosting if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice would complement the lemony flavor well.
Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.