Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars! This dessert is creamy, zesty, and absolutely refreshing. Picture a warm afternoon where laughter fills the air, and you take a bite of this luscious treat – it’s pure bliss! Did you know that lemon desserts are known for boosting your mood? That’s right! My family and I often enjoy these pie bars during our weekend get-togethers, and they never fail to impress. With their quick preparation time, these bars are perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers. If you love desserts that are simple yet impressive, you might also want to check out my easy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe! So grab your apron, and let’s whip up some deliciousness that your family will adore!
What is Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars?
Ah, the name says it all! Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars – doesn’t it just make you want to kick back and relax? You might wonder why they’re called “lazy day.” Well, they’re so ridiculously easy to make that you could whip them up in your pajamas while binge-watching your favorite show! Plus, who can resist a dessert that screams, “Life is too short to skip dessert”? Remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars are an open invitation! So, are you ready to bring a bit of sunshine into your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This:
Here are three reasons that make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars an absolute must-try! First, the creamy lemon layer combined with the crunchy graham cracker crust creates a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible. Second, making this dish at home saves you cash compared to store-bought versions, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Lastly, these bars offer endless topping possibilities! Whether you prefer whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, the options are deliciously endless. If you’ve tried my No-Bake Chocolate Mousse recipe, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create amazing desserts at home. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s bring some zesty delight into your life!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Making Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars is as easy as pie – literally! In just about 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a dessert that boasts the perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors. This dish features a rich texture and is delightful served chilled on a sunny day. It’s the ideal recipe for those bustling weekdays or lazy weekends!
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step:
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate to chill while preparing the lemon layer.
- Whisk together the lemon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer and spread it evenly.
- Bake and chill: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
- Optional topping: If desired, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled lemon layer before serving.
What to Serve Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars With:
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars shine on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit salad, or a cup of iced tea. The light flavors of the bars balance beautifully with these sides, making it a well-rounded dessert perfect for any occasion.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- To save on prep time, you can make the crust ahead and let it chill while you prepare the filling.
- Beware of overbaking the lemon layer; it should not be jiggly but shouldn’t be dry either.
- Experiment with toppings! Try adding fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra zing.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
You can store your Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these bars can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a month. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy them cold for the best taste!
FAQs
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! They can be made a day in advance, which makes them perfect for gatherings.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese? You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a healthier option.
- Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
Give these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars a try! Their creamy, bright flavor is perfect for any occasion, and they’re so easy to make. I promise they will bring smiles to your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and let the sunny flavors shine in your kitchen! Enjoy!
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Equipment
- 8x8-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Lemon Filling Ingredients
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 1 each Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 large Egg yolks
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream optional
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Fold in whipped topping and spread evenly over cooled crust. Refrigerate.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, and egg yolks. Pour over cream cheese layer and smooth out.
- Bake again for 15–20 minutes until the lemon layer is set. Let cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Optional: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over chilled bars before serving.