How to make Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, full fat and softened
1 tube of crescent roll dough
2 lemons, juiced and zested
½ cup +1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp butter, unsalted and melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Spray the baking pan with nonstick spray
Open the tube of crescent rolls and divide it in half.
Put half of the roll on the bottom of the baking pan, squeezing the perforated sections together
If necessary, stretch the dough to fit the bottom of the pan
In a large mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla and ½ cup sugar. Beat this all together until smooth
Spread this mix on top of the crescent dough in the pan
With the other half of the roll of crescent dough, follow the same directions, squeeze the perforations together, stretch the dough to fit the pan.
Lay the dough on top of the cheesecake filling
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes
Drizzle the melted butter on the top and brush to cover the entire crust
Sprinkle with the remaining sugar
Set to the side to cool, then place in the refrigerator for 6 hours to chill
Slice and serve
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 80 | TOTAL FAT: 12g | SATURATED FAT: 6g | UNSATURATED FAT: 6g | CHOLESTEROL: 140mg | SODIUM: 280mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 120g | SUGAR: 18g | PROTEIN: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer.
Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it should still work well in the recipe.
What size of baking pan should I use for this recipe?
A standard 9×9-inch baking pan is commonly used for this recipe.
Make sure to spray the pan with nonstick spray before assembling the dessert bars.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary.
Keep in mind that fresh lemon juice will provide a more vibrant and authentic taste.
Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with another type of pastry dough?
The crescent roll dough provides a unique texture and flavor to these bars, but if you’d like to experiment, you could try using a puff pastry or shortcrust pastry as a substitute.
Keep in mind that the baking time and results may vary.
Do I need to chill the bars for the full 6 hours?
Chilling the bars for the recommended 6 hours allows them to set properly and develop the best flavor.
However, if you’re short on time, you can chill them for at least a few hours.
The longer chilling time will result in a firmer and more cohesive texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from using full-fat cream cheese.
The bars might be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of lemons?
While this recipe calls for lemons, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the taste will vary.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter for the recipe?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in the recipe.
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but consider reducing the added salt elsewhere in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
You can experiment with alternative sweeteners like brown sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and flavor of the bars.
Can I skip the refrigeration step or reduce the chilling time?
Chilling the bars for the recommended time allows them to set properly and develop the best flavor.
However, you can shorten the chilling time if needed, but the texture may be softer and less cohesive.