Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil hangs over the edges for easy lifting later. Coat the foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: Lay the Bottom Crescent Dough

1. Unroll one package of crescent roll dough.

2. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Make the Lemon-Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and ¾ of the lemon zest.

2. Add the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar to the lemon mixture.

3. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

2. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, stretching it to the edges.

Step 5: Add the Buttery Topping

1. Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent dough.

2. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining lemon zest. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

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