I am SO excited to share this fabulous recipe for Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars with you! Picture this: a delightful, zesty lemon filling perched on a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped off with a velvety whipped cream layer that’ll make your taste buds sing! These bars are perfect for a sunny afternoon treat or a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Ready to dive into this zesty dream? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe
These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the epitome of effortless baking. Seriously, you won’t believe how simple it is to whip up such a heavenly dessert! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a delightful dish that pops with fresh lemony goodness. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends, and I promise, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
How to make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create some lemony magic! Here’s everything you’ll need to pull off these adorable bars.
Ingredients for Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
- Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the lemon filling.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
What to Serve With Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
These zesty bars are absolutely delightful on their own, but why not take it up a notch? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing combo! And, if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or some fresh mint leaves makes for a beautiful presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
These Lemon Cream Pie Bars are great for make-ahead treats! You can prepare the bars up to a day in advance and keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just pop the whipped cream on right before you dive in! If you’re planning to store them, cover them with plastic wrap or a lid to keep that luscious lemony flavor intact. Yum!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for that vibrant taste; it truly makes a difference!
- If you’re not a fan of too much sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
- For an extra flavor kick, you could blend in a pinch of salt in the lemon filling. It enhances the overall flavor beautifully!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Use lime juice for a twist on the traditional lemon flavor. Hello, Key Lime Pie Bars!
- Swap out the graham crackers for crushed shortbread cookies for a different but equally sumptuous crust.
- Add a layer of fruit on top before serving, like fresh raspberries or blueberries, to brighten up that presentation and add even more deliciousness!
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice!
2. How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep them covered!
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars before adding the whipped cream. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving and add the whipped cream right before digging in!
And there you have it, my lovely friends! Your secret weapon for a delightful dessert that’s sure to wow everyone! Enjoy every bite of these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars, and happy baking!
Print
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful lemon filling on a buttery graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
- Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the lemon filling.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg