Description
Silky lemon cream bars bring zesty sunshine to dessert tables with classic French-inspired elegance. Creamy, tangy layers nestled between buttery shortbread create a delightful balance you’ll crave with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:
- 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Topping:
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by lining a 9×13-inch dish with aluminum foil and lightly coating with cooking spray to facilitate easy removal of the bars later.
- Carefully spread the first package of crescent roll dough across the bottom of the prepared dish, gently stretching to create a uniform base that covers the entire surface.
- Create the luscious lemon filling by whisking together softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, most of the zest, and sugar until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
- Delicately distribute the vibrant cream cheese mixture over the dough layer, using a spatula to ensure an even, edge-to-edge coverage that promises a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Unfold the second package of crescent roll dough, positioning it carefully to completely blanket the cream cheese filling, minimizing any gaps or exposed areas.
- Enhance the top layer by generously brushing melted butter across the surface, then sprinkle the remaining sugar and lemon zest to create a tantalizing, golden-kissed topping.
- Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the bars to bake until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and the kitchen fills with a citrusy, sweet aroma.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool for approximately 20 minutes, then carefully lift the entire dessert out using the foil edges.
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice into precise squares while still on the foil, then refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up the filling and intensify the flavors.
- Serve chilled, revealing a perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet, buttery layers that promise to delight the taste buds.
Notes
- Cooling transforms these bars from good to phenomenal, letting flavors blend and filling solidify perfectly.
- Refrigerating creates a delightful texture contrast between the crisp pastry and smooth, tangy cream cheese center.
- Chilling for at least an hour guarantees each bite delivers maximum lemony, creamy satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg