Description
These Lemon Cream Pie Bars are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon cream filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, finished with folded whipped cream for a light, creamy texture. Perfectly chilled, they are refreshing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated with butter. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish using the back of a spoon. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Lemon Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture. Take care to fold gently so that the whipped cream remains airy and light, which gives the filling its creamy texture.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the lemon cream mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set firmly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once set, slice the bars into squares. Optionally, garnish with extra lemon zest or a dollop of whipped cream before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, chill the bars overnight to allow the filling to fully set.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for a slightly more or less tart flavor.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoothest mixing and best texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter crust, increase sugar by one tablespoon.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
