Sometimes, we all crave something sweet and tangy without the fuss of a complicated recipe. That’s where these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars come in! Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a smooth, creamy lemon filling that’s perfectly sweet and tart, all finished with a delicate whipped topping. It’s the kind of dessert that will make you look like a kitchen pro, even if you barely lifted a finger. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Why You’ll Love Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
This dessert is the best of both worlds: it’s ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for these bars:
Versatile:
Perfect for summer picnics, family dinners, or whenever you need a simple but irresistible dessert. These bars are always a hit at any gathering.
Budget-Friendly:
You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so no need to splurge on expensive items. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this a budget-friendly treat.
Quick and Easy:
No need to roll out pie dough or deal with complicated steps. These bars come together in no time, making them the perfect lazy-day dessert!
Customizable:
Feel free to add your own twist! You can top them with fresh berries, sprinkle with a little zest, or even add a layer of raspberry jam for an extra fruity kick.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Every time you serve these, they’re bound to impress. With the smooth and tangy lemon flavor paired with the buttery crust, it’s a dessert that appeals to everyone—from kids to adults.
Ingredients in Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
Graham Cracker Crumbs:
The base of this recipe. The crushed graham crackers create a simple but flavorful crust that provides the perfect crunchy texture.
Butter:
Melted butter helps to bind the crust and gives it that rich, buttery flavor that’s the perfect foundation for the creamy lemon topping.
Sweetened Condensed Milk:
This brings sweetness and a velvety texture to the lemon filling. It’s what makes these bars so creamy and indulgent.
Fresh Lemon Juice:
The star of the filling! Fresh lemon juice brings that beautiful, tangy flavor that’s the heart of these bars. It’s what makes them so refreshing.
Cream Cheese:
This adds richness and creaminess to the filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon juice perfectly.
Whipped Topping:
A light and airy finish to your bars. It adds a cool, sweet contrast to the zesty lemon layer and makes the dessert feel extra indulgent.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
It’s time to get these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars into your life. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time!
Prepare Your Equipment:
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is key to making sure your bars come out of the pan without any issues.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to make sure it’s firmly packed.
Bake the Crust:
Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This step adds a nice golden brown color and helps it hold its shape. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese helps give the filling a rich, thick texture, while the lemon juice brings that perfect zesty kick.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the lemon filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure it covers the crust in a nice, even layer.
Chill and Set:
Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are firm and set. This cooling time is crucial to getting that perfect texture.
Add the Whipped Topping:
Once the bars have set, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the lemon filling. If you want to get a little fancy, you can garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries.
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the bars into squares, and serve chilled. Get ready for your new favorite dessert!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
These bars are a treat on their own, but you can elevate them even further by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries on the side. For an extra touch, drizzle some raspberry or blueberry sauce on top to add a burst of color and flavor.
Additional Tips
- No graham crackers? You can substitute with vanilla wafers or even digestive biscuits for a different twist on the crust.
- Make them ahead of time: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dessert.
- Try different citrus: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a citrusy twist.
FAQ’s
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary. - Can I make these bars without the cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds creaminess and richness to the filling. If you need a substitute, you could try sour cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture might be a bit different. - How long do these bars last in the fridge?
These bars will stay fresh for about 4-5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. - Can I use a store-bought crust?
If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought graham cracker crust. Just make sure to skip the baking step for the crust. - What can I garnish the bars with?
Fresh berries, lemon zest, or a drizzle of fruit syrup would make a lovely topping for these bars. - Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the creamy filling, it’s best to keep these bars chilled until you’re ready to serve. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the chilling time as needed. - Can I add something extra to the filling?
You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor or even a bit of lemon zest for an added citrus punch. - Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie for the crust.
Conclusion
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who wants something refreshing, creamy, and completely indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—it’s the ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress everyone at the table. Grab your ingredients, chill out, and get ready to enjoy these delicious, zesty bars!
Print
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy-to-make lemon cream pie bars offer the perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture with a simple, buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 box (9 oz) lemon flavored gelatin
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) shortbread cookies (or graham cracker crust)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the lemon gelatin, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the lemon cream mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, you can top the bars with additional lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon glaze.
- Make sure to let the bars set completely in the fridge to ensure they slice cleanly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg