Name: Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – **Crust:**; – 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; – ¼ cup granulated sugar; – ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; – **Filling:**; – 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; – 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; – ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; – 2 tsp lemon zest; – ½ tsp vanilla extract; – **Topping:**; – 1 cup heavy whipping cream; – 2 tbsp powdered sugar; – ½ tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sometimes you just want something sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, but without all the fuss. That’s where these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars come in. They’re the perfect treat when you want that delicious lemony tartness, but you don’t feel like baking a whole pie. These bars are creamy, dreamy, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along! Trust me, they’re a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or looking for something sweet to serve at your next gathering, these bars are the answer. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Versatile: Ideal for everything from casual weeknight cravings to special occasions like picnics and potlucks.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home, these bars won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here. Just mix, bake, and let it set!

Customizable: Add a layer of fresh berries on top or make it extra tangy with a touch more lemon zest.

Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are always a hit! They have that perfect balance of tart and sweet that everyone loves.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

These bars may be easy to make, but they taste like they’re from a bakery. Here’s what you need:

Graham Cracker Crust: The base of this dessert is a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust that complements the smooth, creamy lemon filling.

Butter: For that perfect richness and to help the crust come together.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient gives the filling its sweetness and smooth texture.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the perfect tang, giving these bars their signature citrus flavor.

Lemon Zest: A little zest goes a long way in boosting the lemony goodness!

Eggs: These help thicken the filling and give it that lovely custard-like texture.

Whipped Topping (Optional): A light, fluffy topping that makes these bars even more indulgent.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this refreshing, citrusy treat:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your crust bakes perfectly and your filling sets beautifully.

Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a little sugar. Stir until it’s well mixed and then press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Use a spoon to pack it down firmly. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs until smooth and combined.

Pour the Filling Over the Crust: Once the crust has cooled a bit, pour the lemon filling over the top, spreading it evenly.

Bake: Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set (it should jiggle just slightly when you move it).

Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait!).

Serve and Enjoy: Top with a dollop of whipped topping (if using) and slice into bars. Serve cold, and watch them disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9-12
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 (varies based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving game:

Top with Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect pairing with these tangy bars.
Sprinkle with Extra Lemon Zest: For an extra kick of citrus, sprinkle a little more zest on top before serving.

Additional Tips

For a Shortcut: Use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time.
Make It Ahead: These bars are even better when made the day before. The flavors have time to meld, and they slice beautifully after a good chill.
Add a Crunch: Try mixing chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the crust for a little extra texture.
Add a Lemon Glaze: If you want to make these even more indulgent, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better after a day or two of chilling. Make them the day before and let them set in the fridge.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for the most vibrant flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.

3. How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just keep them covered tightly.

4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

5. Can I make these bars without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless version by using a non-dairy substitute like silken tofu or a store-bought egg replacer.

6. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or even an Oreo crust for a fun twist.

7. How do I make sure the filling is set?
The filling will jiggle slightly when it’s done, but if it’s still too liquidy, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes until firm.

8. How can I add more lemon flavor?
You can increase the amount of lemon juice or zest, or even add a drop of lemon extract for extra lemony goodness.

9. Can I top these bars with something other than whipped cream?
Yes! Try using whipped coconut cream or even a drizzle of lemon glaze for a different topping.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free graham cracker or cookie crust for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, with zero fuss! They’re super simple to make but look and taste like something special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these bars are sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those lemons and start baking!

Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars