Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Are a little slice of sunshine. Bringing together the bright, fresh zing of lemon. And the creamy richness of cream cheese. In a delightful dance of flavors. Nestled on a buttery crescent dough crust. Each bar is a soft. Inviting bite of tangy sweetness. Topped with a light sprinkle of sugar. And lemon zest. That crackles just so under the fork. Perfect for lazy summer afternoons. Cozy gatherings. Or when you simply need a sweet escape. These bars promise. To whisk your senses away. To a place of pure culinary joy.
24 Servings
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 oz each, such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®, divided
- 2 lemons zested and juiced, divided
- 2 packages cream cheese 8 oz each, softened
- 1/2 c white sugar
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 3 tbsp white sugar
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil. And spray it with cooking spray.
Prepare the Base:
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough. And press it into the bottom of the prepared dish. Stretching to the edges.
Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the juice and most of the zest from two lemons.
- Add the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. And beat with a mixer until smooth.
- Spread this mixture over the dough. In the baking dish.
Add the Top Layer:
- Unroll the second dough package. And lay it over the filling, stretching it to fit.
- Brush the dough with melted butter.
Add Topping:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar. With the remaining lemon zest.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
Bake:
- Bake for about 30 minutes. Until the top is golden.
- Cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then lift out using the foil and cut into squares.
Chill:
- Place the cut bars back in the pan. And refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
To make these Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars gluten-free. Simply swap the regular crescent roll dough. For a gluten-free pastry dough. Available at most health food stores. Or supermarkets. Ensure it's pliable enough to press into the pan. And over the filling. Also, double-check that all other ingredients. Such as cream cheese and sugar. Are labeled gluten-free. As cross-contamination. Can sometimes occur in manufacturing. With these adjustments. You can enjoy the same delicious, tangy-sweet treat. Without the gluten!