Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, a perfect treat that blends the zesty tang of lemons with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a crowd-pleasing sweet, these lemon bars will hit the spot. If you love citrus-based desserts, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!
Introduction
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a unique fusion of tart lemon flavor and the creamy smoothness of cream cheese, making them a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This recipe brings together two beloved dessert elements: the zestiness of lemons and the rich texture of cream cheese. Originating from the broader category of citrus desserts, Lemon Cream Cheese Bars have become a go-to choice for many who enjoy light, refreshing flavors.
What makes this dish so popular is its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s a great option for family gatherings, summer parties, or any occasion where you want a quick and simple dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars is an excellent way to enjoy a comforting yet vibrant treat.
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
To make these delectable Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cooking spray – to prevent sticking
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent roll dough (like Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®) – divided into two sections for the crust and topping
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided – for that bright, tangy lemon flavor
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened – the base for the creamy filling
- ½ cup white sugar – to sweeten the filling
Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crescent roll dough.
- Swap out sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia for a reduced-calorie version.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – Step by Step
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2:
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and the juice from one lemon until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the crescent dough in the baking dish.
Step 4:
Zest one lemon and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5:
Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, combine the remaining lemon zest with a bit of sugar and sprinkle over the top layer of dough. This gives the bars a nice, crunchy topping.
Step 7:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Tip: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Helpful Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Here are a few helpful Lemon Cream Cheese Bars tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars a bright, authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can be too acidic and lacking in flavor.
- Chill before serving: For clean, easy-to-cut squares, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after cooling.
- Try a crumb topping: If you want to add some texture, consider adding a streusel or crumb topping made from oats, sugar, and butter.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
For the best Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, here are a few cooking techniques and hacks to ensure your bars turn out perfectly:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for a smoother, creamier filling.
- Bake evenly: If the edges start browning too quickly, cover the bars loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure even cooking.
- Crispier crust: If you prefer a crispier bottom crust, pre-bake the first layer of crescent dough for 5 minutes before adding the cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
When it comes to serving Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, presentation is key. Serve these tangy-sweet bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance. You can also pair them with the following:
- Fresh berries: Serve the bars with fresh blueberries or raspberries to complement the citrus flavor.
- Whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
- Iced tea or lemonade: These bars pair wonderfully with refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade.
Nutritional Information
These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are rich and indulgent but still offer some nutritional benefits. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which supports your immune system, while cream cheese provides a good source of calcium and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s the nutritional info for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars based on a standard serving size (approximately 1 bar):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 8% of the DV
Storage and Leftovers for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
To store your Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, follow these simple steps:
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars will firm up when chilled, making them easier to cut and serve.
- Freeze: If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If you prefer them warm, simply microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds to restore the freshly baked texture.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Here are answers to some common Lemon Cream Cheese Bars FAQs:
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free option available at most grocery stores.
2. How can I add more lemon flavor?
Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra punch of lemony goodness.
3. Can I use other types of citrus?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a fun twist on the classic.
4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance. Prepare and bake them a day ahead, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Related Recipes for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Lovers
If you loved this recipe, you might enjoy these similar recipes from Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making these delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as much as we did! Whether you serve them for dessert or a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any personal twists you’ve added to the recipe. Happy baking!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe – Tangy & Creamy Dessert
Description
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars, a perfect treat that blends the zesty tang of lemons with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a crowd-pleasing sweet, these lemon bars will hit the spot. If you love citrus-based desserts, this Lemon Cream Cheese Bars recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredients
- Cooking spray – to prevent sticking
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent roll dough (like Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®) – divided into two sections for the crust and topping
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided – for that bright, tangy lemon flavor
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened – the base for the creamy filling
- ½ cup white sugar – to sweeten the filling
Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crescent roll dough.
- Swap out sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia for a reduced-calorie version.
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2:
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and the juice from one lemon until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the crescent dough in the baking dish.
Step 4:
Zest one lemon and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5:
Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, combine the remaining lemon zest with a bit of sugar and sprinkle over the top layer of dough. This gives the bars a nice, crunchy topping.
Step 7:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Tip: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or a bit of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars a bright, authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can be too acidic and lacking in flavor.
- Chill before serving: For clean, easy-to-cut squares, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after cooling.
- Try a crumb topping: If you want to add some texture, consider adding a streusel or crumb topping made from oats, sugar, and butter.
