Introduction:
Indulge in the perfect harmony of zesty lemon and creamy goodness with our Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars recipe. These delectable treats are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious, making them a delightful addition to any occasion or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these tangy delights!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring to press the seams together to form a solid crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until well combined and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking pan.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, pressing the seams together to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up the cream cheese filling.
- Before serving, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the tangy and creamy goodness of these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars!
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual dessert indulgence, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, go ahead, try out this recipe, and treat yourself to a burst of tangy delight!
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with lemon slices or zest for an extra pop of color and flavor before serving.
- Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and taste.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- These bars make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads, potlucks, or dessert tables at gatherings.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will keep well for up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
- If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Frozen bars can be stored for up to 1-2 months.
- Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy them chilled or briefly reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a warm treat.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Bars stay fresh and delicious for whenever you’re ready to enjoy them!
- Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the convenience of store-bought crescent roll dough is hard to beat, you can certainly use homemade dough if you prefer. Just ensure that it’s rolled out thinly and evenly to form the base and top layers of the bars. - Can I substitute lime for lemon in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lime for lemon to create Lime Cream Cheese Crescent Bars. Simply replace the lemon zest and juice with lime zest and juice in equal amounts for a tangy twist on the original recipe. - How can I prevent the crescent roll dough from getting soggy?
To prevent the crescent roll dough from becoming soggy, make sure to press the seams together firmly when lining the baking pan with the dough. Additionally, thoroughly chill the bars in the refrigerator after baking to allow the cream cheese filling to set properly, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the crust. - Can I make these bars in advance for a party or gathering?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance! You can prepare them a day or two ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, allowing the bars to chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving enhances their flavor and texture. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh finish.