Description
These Lemon Cream Pie Bars offer a luscious, tangy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, combining creamy sweetness with refreshing citrus in every bite. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, they make a delightful dessert for any occasion.
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 all crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crust for a solid base. Place it in the refrigerator to chill 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 the mixture until fully combined and silky smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture carefully to maintain the fluffiness and avoid deflating the cream.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the lemon cream filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a clean and attractive finish.
- Chill and Set: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This step allows the filling to firm up and develop flavor.
- Serve: Once set, slice the bars into squares. For an extra touch, garnish with additional lemon zest or a dollop of whipped cream before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant, natural citrus flavor rather than bottled lemon juice.
- To speed up chilling time, you can place the bars in the freezer for 1-2 hours but watch carefully to prevent freezing solid.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled and prepared in a 9×13-inch pan for more servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
