Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars – Experience the combination of sweet flavors, in our Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars. These delectable treats bring together the brightness of lemons and the creamy richness of cream cheese nestled between layers of flaky crescent roll dough. With 15 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a dessert ready to indulge in under an hour.
The journey to discovering these Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars was filled with excitement and joy. The first time I prepared this recipe the enticing aroma of baked lemon filled the kitchen building anticipation for that first heavenly bite. As my husband and child eagerly waited by the oven their faces lit up with delight when they finally tasted it. That moment confirmed that this recipe was truly a winner.
What makes this Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars truly special?
What sets these dessert bars apart is their blend of flavors and textures. The velvety cream cheese filling perfectly contrasts with the crust made from crescent roll dough creating a symphony of sensations, in each mouthwatering bite. The zingy lemon juice and zest add a burst that balances out the sweetness flawlessly – resulting in a fusion of tanginess and sweetness.
What You Need To Make This Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars Recipe?
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese to achieve the luxurious, velvety texture that sets these dessert bars apart. The higher fat content ensures a smooth and creamy consistency that perfectly complements the tangy lemon flavors. Reduced-fat options may affect the richness and overall taste.
Fresh Lemons: The heart and soul of these bars, fresh lemons bring a vibrant citrusy kick to the dessert. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest is recommended for the most intense and authentic flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but it might lack the nuanced brightness that fresh lemons provide.
Granulated Sugar: Balancing the tartness of the lemons, granulated sugar is used both in the cream cheese filling and as a finishing touch. The sugar’s sweetness harmonizes with the zesty lemon notes, creating a delightful contrast. Remember to save a tablespoon to sprinkle on top for that irresistible sugary crunch.
Unsalted Butter: When drizzled and brushed on top of the bars, melted unsalted butter enhances the golden crust with a delicate buttery flavor. Opting for unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert. Salted butter could potentially overpower the lemon and cream cheese flavors.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla extract adds a warm undertone to the cream cheese mixture, elevating its overall complexity. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla flavorings might not provide the same depth and authenticity.
Steps To Make Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Grease the baking pan using a bit of nonstick spray to make sure it’s easy to remove the dessert bars.
Step 3: Take out the crescent roll dough. Divide it into two halves.
Step 4: Place one half of the dough into the baking pan pressing the perforated edges together to create a base. If needed gently stretch the dough so it fits snugly in the pan.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract and ½ cup of sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 6: Spread this cream cheese mixture, over the layer of crescent dough in the pan.
Step 7: Repeat these steps with the half of crescent dough to create a top layer. Press together any perforated edges. Stretch as necessary.
Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until you see a golden color on top.
Step 9: After removing from the oven generously drizzle melted butter over the top making sure every corner is covered. Sprinkle on the remaining sugar for an added crunch.
Step 10: Allow your creation to cool slightly before transferring it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for 6 hours for maximum delightfulness.
Step 11: Finally it’s time, for that moment you’ve eagerly been waiting for – slice those Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars and enjoy!
Tip:
To impart a burst of citrusy goodness into your Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars it’s crucial to master the art of lemon zest. Start by selecting firm and unwaxed lemons then carefully grate their outer layer using a microplane grater or a fine zester. Take care to avoid including the pith underneath. This zest holds the oils that carry the fragrance and flavor of lemons resulting in an unparalleled zing, for your bars. Just a teaspoon of lemon peel can elevate the entire dessert adding a delightful layer of brightness that is sure to please your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-made lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While using fresh lemons brings out the flavors you can definitely opt for pre-made lemon juice as a convenient alternative. However, if you want that zing it is recommended to use authentic zest.
Can I reduce the chilling time in the refrigerator?
The chilling time plays a role in setting the layers and allowing the flavors to blend together. However if you’re short on time you could try reducing it to 4 hours – keep in mind that the texture might be slightly softer.
Can I add a fruity twist to these bars?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by folding in a handful of berries into the cream cheese mixture for an added burst of fruity goodness.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese full fat and softened
- 1 tube of crescent roll dough
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- ½ c. + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted and melted
- 1 teaspoon 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
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
What size pan do you use?????
13×9-in. baking pan