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Zesty Lemon Cream Bars Recipe

Zesty Lemon Cream Bars


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful lemon cream bars blend tangy citrus with creamy sweetness for an irresistible dessert. Rich layers of zingy lemon curd and silky cream promise a refreshing treat that satisfies your dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz / 226 g)
  • 2 tbsps butter, melted
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz / 226 g)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 3 tbsps white sugar
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Workspace Preparation: Line a 9×13-inch dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray to ensure effortless removal of the finished bars.
  2. Dough Foundation: Unfurl the first crescent roll dough package across the dish’s bottom, stretching gently to create a seamless, uniform base covering the entire surface.
  3. Lemon Cream Filling: Whisk softened cream cheese, lemon juice, most of the zest, and sugar until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth, velvety consistency.
  4. Filling Distribution: Spread the vibrant cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage for a consistent flavor profile.
  5. Topping Layer: Carefully position the second crescent roll dough package to completely cover the cream cheese filling, minimizing any potential gaps.
  6. Pre-Bake Enhancement: Brush melted butter across the surface and sprinkle remaining sugar and lemon zest to create a golden, aromatic topping.
  7. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and releases a citrusy, sweet fragrance.
  8. Cooling and Preparation: Allow bars to cool for 20 minutes, then lift the entire dessert from the dish using foil edges. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into precise squares.
  9. Final Refinement: Refrigerate for at least an hour to set the filling and intensify the flavors, creating a chilled, tantalizing dessert ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Prep Surface Smart: Line the baking dish with aluminum foil and spray lightly to ensure effortless bar removal and clean cutting.
  • Dough Stretching Technique: Gently stretch crescent roll dough to create a seamless, edge-to-edge base without tearing or creating uneven patches.
  • Cream Cheese Perfection: Whisk cream cheese mixture until completely smooth to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, consistent texture throughout the filling.
  • Cooling and Setting Crucial: Allow bars to cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least an hour to set filling and enhance flavor intensity, creating a more refined dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg