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Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Tangy, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars sandwich a lemony cream cheese filling between layers of flaky crescent dough, making for a delightful dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Layers
  • 2 packages 2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough, divided
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 2 packages 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
  • 2 lemons 2 lemons, zested and juiced Zest from one and a half lemons for filling, the remaining for topping.
  • ½ cup ½ cup white sugar
Topping
  • 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter, melted Brush on top layer for golden finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and cooking spray.
  2. Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and pinch seams together to form a solid layer.
Mixing Filling
  1. In a small bowl, combine lemon zest and juice from both lemons and set aside.
  2. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar with the lemon mixture until smooth.
Assembling Bars
  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer.
  2. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the filling, stretching gently to cover completely.
  3. Brush the melted butter over the top layer and sprinkle the lemon-sugar mixture evenly.
Baking and Cooling
  1. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown, checking around 25 minutes.
  2. Let cool for 20 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
  3. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

For best results, use softened cream cheese, gently stretch dough to avoid tearing, and chill for an hour before serving.