I absolutely love cream cheese bars! They are the perfect sweet treat that combines a rich, creamy texture with a delightful sweetness. These bars are incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. The crust is made from a mixture of crushed graham crackers and butter, which forms a deliciously crisp base.
The creamy cheesecake filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract, giving it a velvety smoothness and just the right amount of sweetness. Once baked to perfection, the cream cheese bars are topped off with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence. They are great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, and they always leave everyone wanting more. Trust me, once you try these cream cheese bars, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Bars
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups of white sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of melted margarine
- Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top
Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with margarine.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the greased baking pan, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of white sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking pan.
- Take the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it on top of the cream cheese layer, gently pressing the seams together.
- Pour the melted margarine over the top layer of crescent roll dough. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of white sugar and a generous amount of ground cinnamon on top.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into rectangular bars.
- Serve and indulge in these creamy, sweet-n-tangy cream cheese bars. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best results, use high-quality cream cheese and fresh crescent roll dough. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor and texture of your cream cheese bars. Full-fat cream cheese will give you a richer, creamier filling, while fresh dough will ensure a flaky, buttery crust.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with sugar and vanilla. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to a filling that’s difficult to spread and may result in a less uniform layer.
Even Layers: When assembling your cream cheese bars, take care to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy filling and flaky crust. Similarly, when adding the top layer of dough, try to cover the filling as evenly as possible.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, mix until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the filling, leading to a texture that’s less dense and creamy once baked.
Baking Time and Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on your cream cheese bars as they bake. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and a set filling. If the bars are browning too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Cooling Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off by giving the filling time to set, making the bars easier to cut into clean, even pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Dusting with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish, lightly dust your cream cheese bars with powdered sugar just before serving.
Fruit Toppings: Adding fresh fruit or a fruit compote on top can introduce a delightful contrast in flavors. Berries work particularly well, offering a slight tartness that complements the creamy filling.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on each bar can add a luxurious texture and a hint of vanilla that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese and cinnamon.
Serving Temperature: While these bars are delicious at room temperature, serving them chilled can offer a refreshing twist, especially during warmer months.
Coffee or Tea Pairing: Cream cheese bars pair beautifully with coffee or tea. The richness of the bars is balanced by the bitterness of coffee or the mildness of tea, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration is Key: Due to the cream cheese filling, it’s important to store any leftover bars in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing odors.
Freezing for Longevity: If you won’t be consuming the bars within a few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Avoiding Soggy Crust: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy in the refrigerator, you can place a paper towel in the container with the bars to absorb excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough? Yes, homemade dough can be used as a substitute for crescent roll dough. However, ensure it’s rolled thin enough to achieve the desired flaky texture without overpowering the cream cheese filling.
Is it possible to make the recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. There are gluten-free crescent roll dough options available that can be used as a direct substitute in this recipe. Additionally, ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add flavors to the cream cheese filling? Yes, incorporating flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even pumpkin spice can add a unique twist to the filling. Just be mindful of the quantities to ensure the added flavors complement rather than overpower the original recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the top crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.
Can I double the recipe? Doubling the recipe is straightforward. Just use a larger baking dish, such as a 9 x 13-inch pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake, as the larger size may require additional time.
Why did my cream cheese filling crack? Cracking can occur if the bars are overbaked or if there’s a sudden temperature change. To minimize this, bake just until the filling is set and allow the bars to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare and bake as directed, then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can be made 2-3 days in advance.
Cream Cheese Bars
INGREDIENTS
- 2 8-ounce cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups of white sugar divided
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of melted margarine
- Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with margarine.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the greased baking pan, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of white sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking pan.
- Take the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it on top of the cream cheese layer, gently pressing the seams together.
- Pour the melted margarine over the top layer of crescent roll dough. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of white sugar and a generous amount of ground cinnamon on top.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into rectangular bars.
- Serve and indulge in these creamy, sweet-n-tangy cream cheese bars. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
