Ingredients
2 3/4 c. (285 g.) frozen cranberries (1 [10-oz.] bag)
1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
3 tbsp. fresh orange juice
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice mix
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. (150 g.) granulated sugar, divided
Cooking spray
2 (8-oz.) packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.Step 2Grease a 13"-by-9" baking pan with cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment, leaving a 2" overhang on both long sides. Spray parchment with cooking spray.Step 3Unroll 1 can of dough and press into bottom of prepared baking pan, pinching seams closed and stretching dough to edges. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Dollop cranberry filling over cream cheese mixture.Step 4Unroll remaining can of dough and pinch seams together. Place over top of cranberry and cream cheese filling and stretch to edges of pan. Brush with butter, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar.Step 5Bake bar until top is golden brown, 28 to 32 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.Step 6Using parchment overhang, lift bars out of pan. Cut into 12 bars and serve at room temperature, or chill and serve cold.
For the best bars imaginable, here are some tips to acing this easy recipe: Make the cranberry filling. The sweet and easy cranberry filling is made from turning frozen cranberries into an irresistible cranberry jam. If you’ve never made jam before—no stress! It’s much easier than you’d think and only requires a few minutes and a handful of ingredients. Check out our other favorite jam recipes for even more dessert and breakfast inspo! Soften the cream cheese. To make it easy to beat into the filling, soften your cream cheese while you make the cranberry jam. Trust us—you’ll be glad you did. Serve them hot or cold! These cheesecake bars are equally delicious at room temperature or chilled. Serve them right away if you’re looking for a warm, gooey dessert, or make them ahead and chill in the fridge if you want to enjoy them cold later! Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
