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Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

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When life gives you lemons, why not make something truly irresistible? These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars bring a luscious combination of tangy lemon zest, creamy cheese filling, and buttery crescent roll dough. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, indulging in a sweet treat, or looking for a dessert that’s simple yet decadent, these bars are your answer. Let’s explore how this recipe creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base and Topping:

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®)
  • Cooking spray for preparing the pan

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 2 lemons (zested and juiced, divided)
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar

For the Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • Reserved lemon zest from 1 ½ lemons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil for easy removal. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Bottom Layer

Unroll and press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stretch it gently to cover the entire base, creating a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Prepare the lemon mixture: In a bowl, mix the zest of 1 ½ lemons and the juice from 2 lemons.
  2. Combine the filling ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon mixture. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom crescent roll dough layer, creating a luscious filling base.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently lay it over the cream cheese mixture. Stretch the dough carefully to cover the filling and reach the edges of the dish.

Step 5: Add the Butter and Sugar Topping

  1. Brush the top crescent dough layer with the melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the reserved lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough for a zesty, sugary crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the dessert in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are set.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

  1. Allow the dessert to cool for approximately 20 minutes.
  2. Using the aluminum foil, lift the dessert from the baking dish and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares while keeping it on the foil.
  3. Transfer the dessert back to the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill completely.

Notes

  1. Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth, creamy filling.
  2. Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane or fine grater for the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  3. Don’t Over-soak the Top Layer: Stretch the second crescent dough layer gently without pressing it too much into the filling.
  4. Foil for Easy Removal: Lining the dish with foil makes cutting and serving these bars a breeze.
  5. Chilling Time: Refrigerating the dessert allows the layers to set properly and makes cutting easier.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/zesty-lemon-cream-cheese-bars-a-sweet-and-tangy-delight/