Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake, all wrapped in a buttery crescent roll crust. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to impress guests or a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat and softened
• 1 tube of crescent roll dough
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp butter, unsalted and melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.

2. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Open the tube of crescent rolls and divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, squeezing the perforated sections together to form a solid layer. If needed, stretch the dough slightly to cover the entire bottom of the pan.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and ½ cup of sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer in the pan. Take the remaining half of the crescent dough and repeat the process of squeezing the perforations together and stretching it to fit over the cream cheese filling.

5. Bake:
Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.

6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the bars are done baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top crust and use a brush to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top for added sweetness and texture.

7. Cool and Chill:
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours. This helps set the cream cheese filling and enhances the flavor.

8. Slice and Serve:
Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the refreshing lemon flavor combined with the rich, creamy filling.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Chilled and Ready:
   These bars are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The cooling time allows the cream cheese filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
2. Presentation:
   For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices or lemon zest curls. You can also serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
3. Pairings:
   These bars pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread, consider including fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   Store the Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days. The chilled environment helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cream cheese filling.
2. Freezing:
   If you have leftovers or want to make these bars ahead of time, you can freeze them. Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Room Temperature:
   While these bars are best served chilled, they can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours if you’re serving them at a gathering. After that, it’s best to return them to the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.

These tips will help you enjoy your Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars at their best, whether you’re serving them fresh or storing them for later!

Variations:

1. Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars:
   Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the cream cheese filling for a burst of fruity flavor. The blueberries pair beautifully with the lemon, creating a refreshing and colorful dessert.
2. Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars:
   Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries into the cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the crescent dough. The tartness of the raspberries complements the lemon and cream cheese, adding a delightful contrast.
3. Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a Graham Cracker Crust:
   Instead of using crescent roll dough, create a graham cracker crust by combining 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and proceed with the recipe as usual for a crunchy twist.
4. Meyer Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
   Substitute regular lemons with Meyer lemons for a sweeter, less acidic flavor. Meyer lemons have a unique taste that adds a subtle floral note to the bars, making them even more special.
5. Lemon Lime Cream Cheese Bars:
   Combine the juice and zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime for a zesty citrus blend. The lime adds a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the cream cheese filling.
6. Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with a Shortbread Crust:
   Make a shortbread crust by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of softened butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes before adding the cream cheese filling. This creates a rich, buttery base that pairs well with the lemon flavor.
7. Lemon Almond Cream Cheese Bars:
   Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the bars before baking. The almonds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the lemon.
8. Glazed Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
   After the bars have cooled, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the lemony flavor.
9. Lemon Coconut Cream Cheese Bars:
   Stir ½ cup of shredded coconut into the cream cheese filling, and sprinkle more coconut on top before baking. The coconut adds a tropical twist and a chewy texture to the bars.
10. Chocolate Dipped Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
    Once the bars are chilled and cut into squares, dip half of each square into melted dark or white chocolate. The rich chocolate contrasts with the tangy lemon and creamy filling, making for an indulgent treat.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert in new and exciting ways!

FAQs:

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and consistency.

2. Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice and zest offer the best flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to use high-quality lemon juice for the best results.

3. How do I prevent the crescent roll dough from separating?
To prevent the crescent roll dough from separating, press the perforations together firmly with your fingers before placing it in the baking pan. Stretch the dough slightly if needed to ensure it covers the pan.

4. Can I add more lemon flavor to the bars?
Absolutely! For an extra lemony kick, you can add additional lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or drizzle a lemon glaze over the top after baking.

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay as it will firm up as it cools. You can also test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent roll dough or creating a gluten-free crust with a gluten-free flour blend or graham crackers.

7. How do I store leftover bars?
Store leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste best when chilled.

8. Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

9. Can I use other citrus fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or combine other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, or grapefruits to create different flavor variations. Just adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the tartness.