Cheese Bar Squares
Cheese Bar Squares are rich, creamy dessert bars with a crispy crescent roll base and a sweet crumb topping, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Line the bottom of the pan with one package of crescent rolls.
- In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, egg yolk, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the pan.
- Top with the second package of crescent rolls.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and margarine with a fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute. If you're out of crescent rolls, puff pastry can be a great alternative for the crust. Ensure that your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing, and you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheese Bar Squares are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness. Consider pairing them with a slice of Macaroni With Ham And Broccoli for a full meal experience, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Bar Squares contains roughly 360 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheese Bar Squares a day in advance. Just bake them, allow to cool, and store them in the refrigerator. You can sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them looking fresh.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work well in this recipe. Both options will provide a creamy texture, though they may alter the flavor slightly. You can also use a dairy-free alternative if necessary.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The Cheese Bar Squares are done when the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them during the final baking time to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).