Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (e.g., Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced, divided
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar (additional)
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring it reaches the edges. In a bowl, combine the zest of 1 1/2 lemons and the juice of 2 lemons. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into the lemon mixture until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough layer.
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully layer it over the cream cheese mixture, gently stretching it to the edges. Brush the melted butter over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, mix the remaining lemon zest with 3 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle it over the buttered dough. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes. Lift the dessert from the baking dish using the foil and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into squares, leaving them on the foil. Return the bars to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 60 minutes. Enjoy these tangy, sweet Lemon Cream Cheese Bars as the perfect dessert or snack!
