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Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Cream Cheese Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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