CREAM CHEESE SQUARES

Welcome to the realm of decadent desserts with our recipe for Cream Cheese Crescent Bars. This delightful treat combines the flakiness of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, all topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar goodness. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, these Cream Cheese Crescent Bars are sure to be a hit. Let’s embark on the journey of creating this delectable dessert together!

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Apply cooking spray to a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Crescent Dough

1. Open one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly onto the bottom of the greased baking pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of white sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking pan.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer of Crescent Dough

1. Open the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.

Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Margarine

1. Pour the melted margarine evenly over the top layer of crescent dough.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of white sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted margarine.

Step 8: Bake

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the Cream Cheese Crescent Bars from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack at room temperature.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve to enjoy the delicious combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
   • Yes, you can substitute melted butter for margarine in this recipe.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten up the recipe.
3. How should I store leftover Cream Cheese Crescent Bars?
   • Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. Can I add fruit preserves or nuts to the filling for extra flavor?
   • Yes, you can customize the filling by adding fruit preserves, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips for additional flavor and texture.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time and freeze them?
   • Yes, you can freeze the bars once they have cooled completely. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
6. Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated dough?
   • Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can use it instead of the refrigerated crescent roll dough.
7. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
   • Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan to make a larger batch of Cream Cheese Crescent Bars.
8. Can I drizzle icing over the bars for added sweetness?
   • Yes, you can prepare a simple icing using powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

Tips:

1. Ensure that the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
2. For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
3. To prevent the edges of the bars from over-browning, you can cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
4. Experiment with different toppings such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor variation.

With these simple steps and tips, you’ll create Cream Cheese Crescent Bars that are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and cinnamon sugar topping in every delicious bite. Whether served as a dessert or enjoyed as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!

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