Lemon Cream Pie Bars

If you’re a fan of tart and sweet desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Lemon Cream Pie Bars! Picture this: a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, topped with a velvety smooth lemon filling that’s both zesty and creamy, and finished off with a dreamy whipped topping. It’s like biting into a sunshine-filled day. These bars are the perfect combination of fresh, tangy lemon flavor and rich, smooth creaminess—all packed into an easy-to-serve bar form. Trust me, they’ll be the star of any dessert table and will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Lemon lovers, rejoice! These bars bring everything you adore about lemon desserts, with an added creaminess that elevates them to the next level. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The tangy lemon filling is balanced by a subtly sweet, rich creaminess, giving each bite the perfect harmony of flavors.

No-Bake, Easy to Make

If you love a good no-bake dessert, this one’s for you. It’s simple to whip up and requires minimal effort, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Refreshing and Light

Despite being creamy, these bars have a light, refreshing quality thanks to the bright lemon flavor. They’re the ideal treat for a hot summer day, or any time you crave something fresh and zesty.

Perfect for Sharing

These Lemon Cream Pie Bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or family gatherings. No mess, just bite-sized perfection!

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups
  The base of the crust, providing a crunchy, buttery foundation for the lemon filling.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (melted)
  Adds richness and helps bind the crumbs together into a crispy crust.
• Sugar: 1/4 cup
  Just enough to sweeten the crust and balance out the tart lemon filling.

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (softened)
  This adds a creamy, smooth texture to the filling and complements the tanginess of the lemon.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 oz)
  The key to that rich, creamy texture while adding sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
  Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tart flavor to the filling.
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
  Adds an extra burst of lemon flavor and a little zing.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of the filling.
• Whipped Topping: 1 cup (for topping)
  This gives the bars a light, airy finish on top, completing the creamy lemon experience.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour the lemon cream filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: Chill and Top

1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
2. Once chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the lemon cream filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the bars into squares and serve cold. Garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprig of mint, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one bar (based on 9 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 130mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 8% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 4% of daily value
• Calcium: 8% of daily value
• Iron: 4% of daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Pie Bars

• Garnished with Fresh Fruit: Top each bar with a slice of lemon or fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and added flavor.
• For a Fancy Touch: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint to add a touch of elegance.
• Perfect for Summer Picnics: These bars are great for outdoor events, serving as a refreshing dessert after a BBQ or picnic.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars need to chill for a few hours, so they’re perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, they’re even better the next day once they’ve had time to set.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the sweetened condensed milk for a coconut milk-based version.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your desserts less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by a couple of tablespoons. Just be sure to taste and adjust as needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these bars without a graham cracker crust?
A1: Yes! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even a simple shortbread cookie crust.

Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A2: While fresh lemon juice is best for the most vibrant flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be sure to use a high-quality version.

Q3: Can I freeze these Lemon Cream Pie Bars?
A3: Yes, you can freeze them! Just slice the bars and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q4: How long will these bars last in the fridge?
A4: They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, though they’re usually gone much sooner!

Q5: Can I use a different topping than whipped cream?
A5: Absolutely! You can use whipped coconut cream or even a layer of fresh whipped cream with a little lemon zest folded in for a fun twist.

Q6: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A6: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the chill time slightly.

Q7: How do I get neat slices?
A7: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it off between each cut. You can also dip the knife in hot water before slicing to help it glide through smoothly.

Q8: Can I add a lemon curd layer?
A8: Yes, for an extra citrus punch, you can add a layer of lemon curd on top of the cream filling before adding the whipped topping.

Q9: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A9: Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a coconut-based sweetened condensed milk alternative, along with coconut whipped cream for the topping.

Q10: How can I make these bars more tart?
A10: Add a little extra lemon zest or increase the amount of lemon juice for a more tart flavor. You can even fold in some lemon zest into the whipped topping for added zing!

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Pie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With their balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and refreshing flavors, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them on a warm summer day or serving them at a gathering, they’ll leave everyone coming back for more. So, grab those lemons and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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