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three lemon cream cheese bars stacked on a wooden board with a lemon on the side.
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4.80 from 5 votes

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These lemon cream cheese bars are made with only 5 ingredients! A quick and easy dessert that's perfect for a large crowd.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 2 8 ounce crescent dough sheets refrigerated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp lemon zest or to taste

Topping

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, cream cheese, and 1 cup sugar. Mix well. Taste it and adjust it to your liking. You can add more lemon zest or sugar.
  • Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough and spread evenly with a spatula.
  • Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it on top of the cream cheese mixture. Pour the melted butter over the top of the dough and spread evenly using a pastry brush.
  • Sprinkle 3 tbsp of sugar over the top evenly. Bake for 35 minutes uncovered.
  • Allow cooling for 20 minutes before slicing into it and enjoy!

Notes

  • Start by adding only a pinch of lemon zest to the filling and work from there. If you like a stronger lemon taste, add more.
  • Avoid lemon extract for this recipe.
  • Let the bars cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing into them.
  • Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.