Bright, creamy, and refreshingly simple, these Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the perfect no-fuss dessert for when you’re craving something zesty and sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious lemon cream filling, and a dollop of whipped topping, these bars are like a slice of sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a lazy weekend brunch or need a quick treat for unexpected guests, these bars are sure to delight. Let’s make dessert easy and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required—perfect for hot days or when you’re feeling lazy.
Bright & Zesty: The tangy lemon filling is refreshing and pairs beautifully with the sweet crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required—perfect for hot days or when you’re feeling lazy.
Bright & Zesty: The tangy lemon filling is refreshing and pairs beautifully with the sweet crust.
Easy to Customize: Add a sprinkle of zest, a drizzle of honey, or fresh berries for extra flair.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these bars ahead of time and chill until ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 sheets, crushed)
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional: 1–2 drops yellow food coloring for a vibrant look
For the Topping:
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
Optional garnish: Lemon slices, zest, or fresh berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional: 1–2 drops yellow food coloring for a vibrant look
For the Topping:
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
Optional garnish: Lemon slices, zest, or fresh berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The mixture will thicken slightly as the acid from the lemon juice reacts with the milk.
Optional: Add a drop or two of yellow food coloring if you’d like a brighter, more vibrant filling.
Pour the lemon cream mixture over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Chill the Bars
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the filling is set and firm.
4. Add the Whipped Topping
Once the bars are fully chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer.
Return the pan to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set slightly.
5. Slice and Serve
Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
Slice into squares or rectangles and garnish with lemon slices, zest, or fresh berries if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy the bright, creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars are perfect alongside a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea.
Add Fresh Berries: Top each bar with a raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry for a pop of color and flavor.
Make It Mini: Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for a fun, portable dessert at parties.
Pre-Chill the Pan: Place the pan in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before adding the whipped topping to help it set faster.
Double the Recipe: Use a 9×13-inch pan to make a larger batch for parties or potlucks.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. With their bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and buttery crust, they’re a refreshing and effortless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this simple yet stunning treat, and let the zesty lemon filling brighten your day. One bite of these cool, creamy bars, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a sunny, carefree paradise!