Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided; 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided; 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 3 tablespoons white sugar

January 11, 2025 by Hannah

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 23 reviews

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re made with a simple crescent roll crust and a luscious lemon cream cheese filling, topped with a buttery, sugary crumble. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after dinner, enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, or even serving at a party or potluck.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Flavorful and Refreshing: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet cream cheese creates a delightful flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for potlucks, bake sales, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
Versatile: You can enjoy these bars for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Crescent Roll Dough: I use refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience, but you can also use your favorite homemade dough if you prefer.
Lemons: You’ll need both the zest and the juice of fresh lemons for this recipe.
Cream Cheese: I use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling and the topping.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the topping.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

Different Crust: Use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of crescent roll dough.
Berries: Add some fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the cream cheese filling.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars for an extra decadent treat.
Nutty Topping: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the topping before baking.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to the edges.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest. Beat in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Unroll the remaining package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching it to the edges. Brush the top with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining sugar and lemon zest. Sprinkle this mixture over the melted butter.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes. Then, lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into squares, leaving them on the foil. Return the dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

Tips and Tricks

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Even Layers: Spread the cream cheese filling and the top layer of dough evenly for consistent baking.
Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze will prevent the glaze from melting.

How to Serve

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of richness.
Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can bake the bars a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
Storing: Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of crescent roll dough. If using a pre-made crust, be sure to follow the baking instructions on the package.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

Can I freeze these lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bars for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars. I hope you enjoy it!