Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – Experience the vibrant taste of our Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. A delightful blend of tangy lemons. And smooth cream cheese. Nestled between layers of flaky pastry. Perfect for any gathering. These bars combine simple ingredients. Like lemon, cream cheese, and crescent roll dough. To create a refreshing dessert. That’s sure to impress.
The first time I made these Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. Was for a casual weekend brunch. I wanted something uniquely refreshing. Yet easy to prepare. The bright lemon flavor. Paired with rich cream cheese. Was an instant hit. My husband. Who usually prefers chocolate desserts. Was pleasantly surprised. By how much he loved the tangy sweetness. And my child. Couldn’t stop reaching for seconds. It was a memorable kitchen success. That has since become a family favorite!
What makes this Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars truly stand out?
These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars stand out. For their bright, natural citrus flavor. Achieved through the use of fresh lemons. For both zest and juice. Which not only enhances the taste. But also fills the kitchen. With a delightful aroma during baking. The creamy texture of the well-whipped cream cheese layer. Offers a luxurious mouthfeel. Contrasting perfectly. With the flaky pastry base. Additionally, their versatility. Makes them a superb choice. For various events. From a summer picnic. To a festive holiday gathering. Ensuring they are always a hit. On the dessert table.
What You Need To Make This Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe?
Crescent Roll Dough: This handy dough simplifies the baking process. Providing a flaky base. That’s easy to use and shape. Making it perfect for this recipe.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are key for their zest and juice. Which gives the bars their vibrant flavor. Always zest the lemons first. Before juicing to get the most out of them.
Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese. For smooth, easy mixing. It blends perfectly with the lemon. To create a rich and creamy filling.
Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the filling. But also adds a crunchy topping. When sprinkled over the bars before baking.
Butter: A brush of melted butter on the top dough layer. Helps achieve a golden finish. And allows the sugar and zest topping. To adhere better, enhancing flavor. And texture.
Steps To Make Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish, line the bottom with aluminum foil for easy removal, and give it a quick spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Lay out one sheet of crescent roll dough in the bottom of your dish. Stretch it to cover the base completely.
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Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the juice of your zested lemons with the majority of the zest. Add the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar, and beat with an electric mixer until you get a creamy, dreamy texture. Spread this mixture lovingly over your dough base.
Step 4: Place the second sheet of dough over the top of the cream cheese layer, gently stretching it to meet the edges. Brush the surface with melted butter, then mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with your leftover zest and sprinkle it generously on top.
Step 5: Bake in your preheated oven until the top is deliciously golden, about 30 minutes. Let it cool for a bit, then lift the entire dessert out by the foil and cut it into squares on a cutting board. Pop it back into the dish and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Tip:
For the zesty lemon flavor to truly shine. In your Cream Cheese Bars. Use a microplane zester. To get finely grated lemon zest. This technique captures. Just the bright yellow skin of the lemon. Without the bitter white pith. Ensuring your dessert. Has the purest lemony zing. Without any bitterness. Additionally, try to zest the lemons. Directly into your mixing bowl. Where the other ingredients are. This way. The essential oils are released during zesting. Won’t be lost. And will infuse the filling. With even more citrus flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use bottled lemon juice and zest?
Fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor. But if you’re in a pinch. Bottled lemon juice can work. Though try to find some fresh lemons. For the zest.
How long do these bars keep in the fridge?
They can be stored. In an airtight container. In the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re covered. To keep them fresh!
Can I freeze lemon cream cheese bars?
Yes. They freeze well. Wrap them individually. In plastic wrap. And then place them in a sealable bag. They can be frozen. For up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Before serving.
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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!
Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
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
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!
