Description
These lemon cream cheese bars are rich, creamy, and bursting with zesty citrus flavor. With a golden, buttery crust and smooth cheesecake-like center, this easy dessert recipe is perfect for spring brunches, potlucks, or anytime you crave a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or shortbread crust alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press crescent dough into the bottom of the dish to form a crust, pinching seams closed.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, flour, and salt until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- If using, place a second crescent sheet over the filling and gently press down.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Lift from the pan using parchment, slice into bars, and serve chilled.
- Enjoy your lemon cream cheese bars as a refreshing finish to any meal or party!
Notes
- You can use a graham cracker or shortbread crust instead of crescent dough.
- Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for an extra fruity twist.
- For a cleaner cut, chill fully before slicing and use a serrated knife.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese bars, creamy lemon bars, lemon cheesecake bars, easy lemon dessert, lemon bars recipe, citrus dessert squares, spring dessert recipe