If you love lemon desserts, this one’s about to become a favorite. These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are just what they sound like: fuss-free, lusciously creamy, and kissed with bright lemony goodness. Perfect for when you’re craving a tangy treat but don’t want to mess with complicated recipes.
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Overview of Recipe Content
These bars are the ultimate no-stress dessert. You’ve got a buttery graham cracker crust, a light and airy cream cheese layer, and a sunny lemon topping that makes your tastebuds sing. It’s ideal for potlucks, Easter brunch, or just a random Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Minimal baking required.
- Great make-ahead option.
- Uses pantry and fridge staples.
- Tastes like sunshine in dessert form!
Taste & Texture:
- Buttery, crumbly crust
- Smooth, sweet cream cheese
- Bright, zingy lemon topping
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Lemon Layer:
- 2 cups lemon pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Tools Needed:
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Substitutions & Additions:
- Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or shortbread.
- Add a pinch of zest to the cream cheese layer.
- Use stabilized whipped cream if you plan to leave it out for a while.
How to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of a greased 8×8 baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- Add the lemon: Pour the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- Top and serve: Just before serving, add whipped cream, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with lemon slices.
What to Serve with Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
These bars are delightful all on their own but pair beautifully with:
- Fresh berries or berry compote
- Iced tea or lemonade
- A side of almond biscotti for crunch
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier blending.
- Chill thoroughly for clean slices.
- Run your knife under hot water before slicing for neat presentation.
- If using homemade lemon curd, make sure it’s completely cooled.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
General Information
This dessert brings back memories of springtime picnics and lemony treats from my grandmother’s table. It’s light yet rich, and the kind of recipe that gets passed down because it’s just that reliable.
Great for:
- Spring holidays
- Potlucks
- Quick dessert cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars a day ahead?
Absolutely! They’re even better chilled overnight.
Can I use a different pie filling?
Sure! Cherry or blueberry work beautifully too.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but for stability, I recommend using stabilized or store-bought whipped topping.
What if I don’t have lemon pie filling?
Homemade lemon curd is a perfect swap.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about lemon desserts, especially when they’re this easy. These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are one of those recipes that surprises you with how simple and delicious they are.
If lemon’s your thing, you might also love:
See more on our Pinterest board: Poulef Lemon Recipes
Interactive Elements
Tried it? Let me know in the comments! 💬
Share a pic and tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your twist!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size | Calories | Sugar | Fat | Saturated Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 bar | 290 | 18g | 17g | 10g | 28g | 1g | 3g |
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
These creamy Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are sunshine in dessert form. Quick to make, irresistibly zesty, and perfect for lazy afternoons.
Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
2 cups lemon pie filling
Whipped cream for topping
Lemon slices for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a greased 8×8 dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Cool.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.
3. Top with lemon pie filling and smooth with spatula.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Top with whipped cream, lemon slices, and powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best texture, chill overnight. Use homemade lemon curd if you prefer from-scratch flavor. For extra zing, add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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