Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a bright, creamy dessert that combines tangy fresh lemons with rich cream cheese and flaky crescent roll dough. These bars are a refreshing alternative to traditional custard-style lemon bars and deliver the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavor. If you love lemon desserts with cream cheese, this easy recipe is one you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
This recipe uses simple store-bought dough and fresh lemons for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooking spray | As needed |
| Refrigerated crescent roll dough | 2 packages (8 oz each), divided |
| Lemons | 2, zested and juiced |
| Cream cheese | 2 packages (8 oz each), softened |
| White sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp, melted |
| White sugar | 3 Tbsp (for topping) |
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars (Easy Creamy Lemon Dessert)
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy lemon cream cheese bars made with crescent roll dough, fresh lemon juice, and a creamy lemon filling. A refreshing dessert that’s simple and irresistible.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 (8 oz) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 lemons, zested and juiced
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tbsp butter, melted
3 Tbsp white sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking dish with foil.
2. Press one crescent dough sheet into dish.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Spread filling over dough.
5. Top with second dough sheet.
6. Brush with butter and sprinkle lemon sugar.
7. Bake until golden.
8. Cool, slice, and chill before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese.
Chill bars before slicing.
Fresh lemon juice gives best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching gently to the edges.
In a bowl, combine the lemon juice and about 3/4 of the lemon zest. Add the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer.
Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer, stretching gently to the edges.
Brush the top dough layer with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar with the remaining lemon zest and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes.
Using the foil overhang, lift the dessert from the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares, then return to the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Helpful Tips:
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Chilling the bars makes slicing cleaner and improves texture. Fresh lemons provide the best flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers big citrus flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet, these bars are perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a refreshing lemon dessert. They prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Do Lemon Cream Cheese Bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps them set properly and keeps the cream cheese filling fresh.
Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. They can be made a day in advance and stored chilled.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor.
How long do Lemon Cream Cheese Bars last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.