Description
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 isĀ a soft. InvitingĀ biteĀ 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.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each, such as PillsburyĀ® Recipe CreationsĀ®), 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 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).
Line a 9×13-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.Ā StretchingĀ to the edges.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl,Ā combine the juice and most of the zest from two lemons.
Add the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar.Ā AndĀ beat with a mixer until smooth.
Spread this mixture over the dough. InĀ 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:
MixĀ 3Ā tablespoons of sugar. WithĀ the remaining lemon zest.
Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
Bake:
Bake for about 30 minutes. UntilĀ the top is golden.
Cool in the pan for 20 minutes. ThenĀ liftĀ out using the foil and cut into squares.
Chill:
Place the cut bars back in the pan.Ā AndĀ 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-checkĀ that allĀ 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!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
