Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares

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When it comes to brightening up your dessert table, few treats can match the zesty, refreshing flavor of Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares. This delightful dessert combines the tang of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled between layers of golden crescent roll dough. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these lemon cream cheese squares are sure to impress. Read on to discover how to make this easy and delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 (8 oz.) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced, divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar, plus 3 tablespoons, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ΒΊ F (175ΒΊ C) and lightly grease a 9Γ—13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your lemon cream cheese squares will come out of the pan easily and have a golden, crisp crust.

Prepare Bottom Crust

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and place it in the greased baking dish. Carefully pinch the seams together to seal and press the dough into the edges of the dish. This will form a base for the creamy filling.

Make Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl or using a mixer, beat the cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup sugar, all of the lemon juice, 3/4 of the lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the luscious center of your squares.

Assemble

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bottom crust in the baking dish. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the lemon cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams together again and stretch the dough to the edges of the baking dish. This top layer will become a golden, flaky cover.

Top with Lemon Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and the remaining lemon zest. Brush the melted butter mixture over the top layer of dough until it is coated. This adds a sweet, buttery finish to your dessert.

Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. The cooling time helps the squares set and makes slicing easier.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Cool Completely: For the best texture and ease of slicing, allow the lemon cream cheese squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
  2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, consider dusting the squares with a light coating of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
  3. Garnish: Garnish with extra lemon zest or a few fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
  4. Serve Chilled: These squares are delightful at room temperature, but you might find them even more refreshing when served chilled. Refrigerate them for an hour or two before serving for a cool, creamy treat.
  5. Portion Control: Slice into small squares for a perfect bite-sized treat. This makes them great for parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy a taste without overindulging.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigerate: Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain their creamy texture and flavor.
  2. Freeze for Later: If you want to make these squares ahead of time or have leftovers you can’t finish, they freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  3. Thaw Properly: To enjoy frozen squares, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, you can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid reheating as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese filling.
  4. Avoid Moisture: Ensure that the storage container is completely airtight to prevent the squares from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

With these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares at their best, whether fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead treat.

Variations:

  1. Berry Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) to the cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the crust. You can also swirl the berries into the filling for a marbled effect.
    • Preparation: Gently fold the berries into the cream cheese mixture to avoid crushing them. Adjust the sugar if using tart berries.
  2. Lime Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Substitute lime juice and zest for the lemon juice and zest in the cream cheese filling.
    • Preparation: Follow the same preparation steps as the original recipe for a zesty lime twist.
  3. Almond Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top before baking.
    • Preparation: The almond extract will give a nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling, while the sliced almonds add a delightful crunch.
  4. Chocolate Chip Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the crust.
    • Preparation: The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, adding a sweet chocolate surprise to the lemon cream cheese filling.
  5. Coconut Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling. For extra coconut flavor, you can also sprinkle some on top before baking.
    • Preparation: Mix the shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture for added texture and a tropical flair.
  6. Ginger Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the cream cheese filling and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger on top before baking.
    • Preparation: The ginger adds a warm, spicy note that complements the tangy lemon.
  7. Maple Pecan Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Replace 3 tablespoons of sugar in the topping with 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
    • Preparation: Brush the maple syrup over the top layer of dough and then sprinkle pecans for a sweet and nutty twist.
  8. Pumpkin Lemon Cream Cheese Squares
    • Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling.
    • Preparation: This variation combines the creamy lemon filling with a hint of pumpkin spice, perfect for fall.

These variations offer different flavor profiles and textures to keep your Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares exciting and adaptable to any taste preference!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
    • Yes! You can substitute the lemon with other fruits like lime, berries, or even orange. Just adjust the zest and juice accordingly.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    • Absolutely. You can prepare the squares up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them as directed.
  3. How do I know when the squares are done baking?
    • The squares are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You can also insert a toothpick in the center to check; it should come out clean.
  4. Can I use reduced-fat or non-fat cream cheese?
    • Yes, you can use reduced-fat or non-fat cream cheese, though the texture and creaminess may be slightly different.
  5. What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
    • If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or pie crust as an alternative. Just roll it out to fit your baking dish.
  6. Can I make these squares gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough or gluten-free pie crust. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  7. How can I make these squares dairy-free?
    • To make these squares dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute. Ensure that the crescent roll dough is also dairy-free or use a suitable alternative.
  8. How should I store leftovers?
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
  9. Can I freeze the cream cheese filling separately?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese filling. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Sunshine Lemon Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect blend of tangy lemon and creamy goodness, all encased in a flaky crescent roll crust. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Enjoy these squares as a refreshing treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your day!