Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Looking for a quick and easy crowd-pleasing treat?

These lemon cream cheese bars are a hit for bake sales, cookouts, and family gatherings.

They come together quickly with no special tools required. Enjoy the refreshing citrus flavor paired with the crispy goodness of a sweet crust.

The bars are fluffy, tender, moist, and absolutely irresistible.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I love Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

• I just adore these easy lemon cream cheese bars because they are fast, easy and light.
• The lemon zest makes them have a little zip.
• The creamy mixture has a lovely texture that reminds me of a pie, but so much simpler.

Why are my lemon bars runny?

If your lemon cream cheese bars come out runny there are a few things to check for next time. First, did you allow the bars to chill before cutting into squares? It’s hard to resist cutting them too early, but allowing them to set up before digging in is important. Next, check on the liquid – maybe your lemon was extra juicy! If that happens it’s ok to reserve a teaspoon or so any make sure you have a slightly thicker consistency (about the texture of a custard or thick pudding is the goal). Finally, measure carefully – my own weakness is vanilla, which I measure with the heart, but if I’m not careful I may go slightly overboard. 

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

There are many reasons to skip cream cheese and that will make a difference for what you substitute in. If seeking a non-dairy alternative there are plant-based cream cheese alternatives (and butter substitutes, as well) that replace one to one for baking. For other reasons, such as flavor, mascarpone is a common exchange that will be a bit richer and creamier. For those who may be looking to trim a few calories there are low fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) or cottage cheese that will make a creamy filling.  

Can I use Lime instead of Lemon?

Definitely! Lime or even a bit of orange would make for the same zesty taste to pair with the creamy filling. Be very careful to measure the juice of an orange because most lemons only produce 2-3 tablespoons and oranges tend to yield more. 

How to serve Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

These bars are wonderful served with cocktails or as dessert on a warm summer evening. They pair well with fresh berries and a little mint.

Cooking Tips:

While this lemon cream cheese bars recipe is simple it is important to keep an eye on how thick the filling is. Too much liquid could make it a bit runny. Take your time to gently press out the seams of the crescent rolls for a nice, even crust on top and bottom. 

Variations:

• In addition to using different citrus, such as lime or orange, these bars can be modified to suit other fruits. It’s a bit more work, but raspberries, for example, can be smashed and strained to remove the seeds and mixed in with the cream cheese for a slightly tart bar. 
• Try changing the sugar on top to a dusting of powdered sugar or a little brown sugar for a different, richer taste. 
• The crust can also be swapped for a puff pastry dough for more of a croissant texture. 

Ingredients:

• refrigerated crescent rolls
• Cream cheese softened
• Lemons zested and juice
• Granulated sugar divided
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

How to make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Open the crescent rolls, and spread half of the dough out on the bottom of a 9×13 well-greased baking dish. Pinch the perforated edges together, and stretch the dough to fit in the bottom of the dish.

Step 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

Adding the sugar.

Adding the lemon juice.

Step 4. Spread the mixture out over the pastry in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 5. Stretch the second half of the crescent roll dough over the top of the filling.

Step 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned.

Step 7. Spread the melted butter over the top, and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of sugar.

Step 8. Let cool, chill for a few hours, and then cut into squares to serve.

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How to store Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

Keep these bars in an airtight container for the best freshness. I like to layer parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from touching or for travel. I like to keep mine in the fridge, but they are safe for storing on the counter since the filling has been baked.

How to reheat Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

There’s no need to reheat these easy lemon cream cheese bars. 

How long does Lemon Cream Cheese Bars last in the fridge?

Not very long in my house! But you can store them for up to a week and enjoy them chilled.

Can I make ahead Lemon Cream Cheese Bars?

Make the filling ahead to save a little time with prep or bake them several days ahead and they will come out wonderful for your next gathering. 

Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:

For a delicious summer treat try out this strawberry cheesecake trifle – Strawberry Cheesecake Triffle

Be sure to please a crowd with this crunchy and fun walking taco casserole – Walking Taco Casserole

Make the most of nice weather with dinner on the grill with this Hawaiian teriyaki chicken entrée – Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken