These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful twist on traditional lemon bars, featuring a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling sandwiched between layers of flaky crescent roll dough. Easy to make and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Additional Time (Chilling): 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Total Time: 2 hourshours5 minutesminutes
Servings: 24
Notes
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 lemons, zested and juiced (divided)
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Create the Base: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together lemon juice and ¾ of the lemon zest. Add the cream cheese and ½ cup sugar, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough.
Top Layer & Topping: Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and lay it over the filling, stretching gently to fit the pan. Brush the top with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons sugar with the remaining lemon zest, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
Bake & Cool: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 20 minutes.
Chill & Serve: Carefully lift the dessert from the pan using the foil and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into squares, then return them to the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
Substitute low-fat cream cheese and Splenda for a lighter version.
For extra citrus flavor, add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling.