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Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars—a dessert that’s creamy, tangy, and sweet in all the right ways. Layered with buttery crescent dough and a lemon-kissed cream cheese filling, topped with a golden sugared crust, these bars are perfect for spring picnics, potlucks, or any citrus craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
  2. Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish. Stretch the dough to cover the base completely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice and ¾ of the lemon zest. Add cream cheese and ½ cup sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture over the dough.
  4. Unroll the second crescent roll dough and lay it over the cream cheese layer, again stretching to the edges. Brush with melted butter.
  5. Combine the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons sugar and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool for 20 minutes.
  7. Lift the foil from the dish and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares, place back in the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Use light cream cheese and sugar alternatives like Splenda for a lighter version. Add extra lemon zest or a dash of lemon extract for more citrus punch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 171
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: lemon, cream cheese, bars, citrus, dessert

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Find it online: https://primetasty.com/zesty-lemon-cream-cheese-bars/