Lemon cream cheese bars are a variation of the traditional lemon bars, made with crescent roll dough and a lemony cream cheese filling. This recipe is wonderful! This recipe is wonderful! A new twist on plain cheesecake barsand SO easy!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cool & Chill time: 1 hr 20 min
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a true family favorite. My mom made these for years when we were growing up and we all loved them. The luscious, creamy bar cookies took center stage at every family reunion, every picnic, and every weekend lake trip and they were always the first thing to be devoured. I like them more than a traditional lemon bar recipe because they’re much creamier and more like cheesecake. The buttery crust and crumble on top complement the light, fluffy lemony filling too.
They’re so yummy; you will absolutely love this recipe.
How to make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
What you need:
Cooking spray
2 (8oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury), divided
2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup white sugar
2 Tbs butter, melted
3 Tbs white sugar
How to make it:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
Press 1 can crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to the edges.
Mix the zest of 1 1/2 lemons and juice from 2 lemons together in a bowl. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into lemon zest mixture using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; spread over crescent roll dough layer.
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and layer over cream cheese mixture, gently stretching dough to the edges. Brush melted butter over crescent roll dough layer. Mix remaining lemon zest and 3 tablespoons sugar together in a bowl; sprinkle over butter.
Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes. Lift dessert from baking dish using foil; transfer to a cutting board.
Cut into squares, leaving on foil. Return dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Notes:
For a slightly crispier bottom and easier handling, bake the first layer of dough for 15 minutes. Allow to cool before spreading the filling over and topping with the second layer of dough and then bake for 30 minutes.
You can also use phyllo dough with this recipe.
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