Description
Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients:
2 cans crescent roll dough
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup sugar for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press one crescent roll sheet into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice until creamy. Spread over the base.
Cover with the second crescent roll sheet and sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Let cool, slice, and serve chilled.
Description:
Get ready for a burst of citrusy goodness!
These creamy lemon bars are a refreshing treat for any occasion. Perfectly sweet and tangy, they’ll brighten your day!
#ZestyBites
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan, pinching any seams together to form a solid base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Spread this filling evenly over the crescent roll base. Unroll the second can of dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer, gently stretching it to cover the entire surface. Finally, sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are versatile. For an elegant presentation, dust the chilled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment. Garnish with thin slices of lemon, a few fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, bridal showers, or as a bright finish to a summer dinner party.
How-to Summary
In brief: Press the first crescent roll sheet into a greased pan. Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice until creamy, then spread over the base. Top with the second crescent roll sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then chill before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?
While fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best bright flavor, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract. The result will be less complex, so fresh is highly recommended.
How should I store leftovers?
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
My cream cheese mixture is lumpy. What did I do wrong?
This is almost always because the cream cheese was not fully softened to room temperature. Ensure it sits out for at least an hour before blending.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, puff pastry sheets can be used as a substitute for the crescent dough. Pre-bake the bottom layer for 5 minutes before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Why do I need to let the bars chill before slicing?
Chilling is crucial as it allows the cream cheese layer to firm up completely, ensuring clean, neat slices that hold their shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese, which leads to a lumpy, uneven filling.
- Overmixing the filling, which can incorporate too much air and affect texture.
- Not letting the bars cool completely before chilling, which can cause condensation and a soggy top crust.
- Skipping the chilling step, resulting in messy, gooey bars that are difficult to serve.
- Overbaking, which dries out the creamy layer. The edges should be golden, but the center may still look slightly soft.
Conclusion
These Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and creamy with an irresistibly easy press-in crust. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning dessert that is sure to impress. The bright lemon flavor makes it a refreshing choice for any season. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness in every bite!
