Silky Sweet Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Homemade Joy in Every Bite

Sweet dreams come true with these irresistible cream cheese bars that blend creamy decadence and buttery goodness.

The perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These delectable bars offer a delightful twist on classic desserts, promising pure indulgence in every bite.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with a tender, golden crust to create a mouthwatering treat.

Each slice promises a moment of pure bliss that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

You won’t be able to resist these heavenly bars that are surprisingly simple to whip up.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate dessert that will become your new favorite sweet sensation.

Pairing Suggestions for Cream Cheese Bars

• Savor Sweet Beverage Companions: Rich coffee or chai tea perfectly complement the creamy, cinnamon-sugar bars.
• Enhance Dessert Pairings: Vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, buttery texture of the cream cheese bars.
• Balance Flavor Profile: Serve alongside a light, crisp white wine like Moscato to cut through the richness and add a subtle fruity note.
• Elevate Serving Experience: Offer a cold glass of milk to provide a classic, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, decadent dessert bars.

Fun Ideas for Cream Cheese Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough to create a celiac-friendly version of the cream cheese bars.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative: Replace dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use plant-based butter substitute to craft a completely dairy-free dessert option.
• Low-Sugar Modification: Cut granulated sugar by half and incorporate monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Fruit-Infused Variation: Add fresh blueberries or raspberry compote between cream cheese and top crescent layer for an extra burst of fruity complexity and natural sweetness.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade pastry dough. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same thickness and size as the crescent roll sheet.

• How do I know if the cream cheese filling is properly mixed?

The mixture should look smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Beat until the sugar is fully incorporated and the texture is fluffy.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it might affect the texture and sweetness of the cream cheese bars. Start by reducing just 2-3 tablespoons if you want less sweetness.

• Is it necessary to use room temperature cream cheese?

Yes, room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before preparing the recipe.

What Makes Cream Cheese Bars Irresistible

• These cream cheese bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal baking skills and basic ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry.
• Perfect for various occasions like potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these bars offer a delightful balance of creamy filling and crispy cinnamon-sugar topping.
• With just a few straightforward steps, you can whip up a delectable dessert that feels like a warm hug, satisfying sweet cravings in no time.
• Easy to modify with different extracts or toppings, these bars allow creative home bakers to put their personal spin on a classic recipe.

Cream Cheese Bar Ingredient Checklist

• Crescent Roll Dough: A soft, flaky pastry that creates the foundation for the cream cheese bars.

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese that provides a smooth, tangy base for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy surface.
• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warming cinnamon-sugar topping that adds extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix thoroughly and set aside for a flavor explosion later.

Step 3: Lay the Bottom Dough Foundation

Crack open a can of crescent roll dough.

Smooth out all the seams to create a solid sheet.

Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a smooth base.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes silky smooth and cloud-like.

Spread this luscious filling evenly over the bottom dough layer.

Step 5: Crown with Top Layer

Open the second can of crescent dough.

Gently drape this layer over the cream cheese filling, ensuring complete coverage without pressing down.

Step 6: Butter and Sprinkle

Melt butter in a small bowl.

Use a pastry brush to paint the top dough layer with liquid gold.

Generously shower the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and edges crisp up beautifully.

Remove and let cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Slice and Indulge

Once cooled, slice into 24 squares.

Serve these heavenly bars with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Prepare for pure deliciousness!

Tips for Cream Cheese Bar Perfection

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling.
• Press dough seams together gently but firmly to create a solid, even base that prevents filling from leaking.
• Pat crescent roll dough with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and golden crust.
• Reduce sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet desserts or want a more tangy cream cheese flavor.
• Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and texture to remain perfect.

Keeping Cream Cheese Bars Fresh

• Store cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For individual bars, thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain texture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and prevent sogginess.

Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet dreams come alive with classic cream cheese bars, blending creamy richness and buttery graham cracker crust into a delightful dessert. Smooth, tangy layers promise pure indulgence you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 16 ounces (454 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (two 8-ounce cans)
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, melted

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) cinnamon

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend by thoroughly mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, setting it aside for later use.
3. Unroll the first crescent roll dough, carefully sealing all seams to form a seamless sheet. Gently press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
4. Whip the cream cheese mixture using an electric mixer, blending cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Distribute the mixture evenly across the bottom crescent layer.
5. Carefully drape the second crescent dough sheet over the cream cheese filling, ensuring complete coverage without pressing down.
6. Melt butter and generously brush it across the top dough layer. Liberally sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a tantalizing golden topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and edges become crisp and slightly puffy.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then slice into 24 squares. Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to create healthier versions suitable for different dietary needs.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily across the crescent dough base.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean, precise edges and prevent the filling from oozing out during slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg