Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars – Easy Creamy Lemon Dessert

Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for when you want something easy, bright, and irresistibly creamy. A buttery shortbread crust holds a luscious lemon filling that’s tangy, sweet, and silky smooth. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped cream, these bars are sunshine in dessert form no fuss, all flavor.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons!)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Whipped cream and lemon slices, for garnish

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
6. Bake again for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly jiggly in the center.
7. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) to let them fully set.
8. Slice into bars, dust with powdered sugar, and top with whipped cream and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
• Don’t skip the chill time! It helps the bars set perfectly and makes them easier to cut.
• These bars store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives these bars their bright, tangy flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t bring the same punch. Be sure to zest your lemons before juicing they’re slippery once squeezed!

Cold butter is key for the crust: The secret to a tender, crumbly shortbread crust is using cold, cubed butter. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. If your kitchen is warm, pop the crust mixture in the fridge for a few minutes before pressing it into the pan.

Press the crust firmly: Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to evenly and firmly press the crust into your pan. This helps it hold together when slicing later.

Don’t overbake the filling: The filling should be just set with a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up more as it cools and chills in the fridge.

Chill thoroughly: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling fully set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

Clean cuts every time: For picture-perfect bars, wipe your knife clean between slices. A warm knife (run under hot water then dried) works wonders!

Add a pretty finish: Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a classic look, or dress them up with whipped cream and a lemon twist for a little flair.

Make ahead: These bars are great for prepping a day in advance they actually taste even better after sitting overnight in the fridge!

Conservation and Storage

To keep your Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars tasting fresh and fabulous, proper storage is key!

Refrigeration: Once the bars have completely cooled and set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. Layer parchment paper between stacked bars if you need to save space—this helps prevent sticking and preserves their smooth top layer.

Serving from the fridge: These bars are best enjoyed cold or slightly chilled. If they’ve been stored for a day or two, you might notice the flavors deepen a little, making them even more delicious.

Freezing (yes, you can!): Want to save a batch for later? You can freeze lemon cream pie bars with great results. After chilling and slicing, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the creamy filling.

Avoid moisture: To keep that buttery crust from getting soggy, always store bars tightly sealed and away from humidity.

Tip for topping: If you plan to garnish with whipped cream or lemon slices, wait until just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.

With the right storage, these lemony treats will brighten your day all week long!

Serving Suggestions

Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are a sunshine-sweet treat that shines on their own, but a little extra love never hurts! Here are some simple and delightful ways to serve them:

Keep it classic: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these bars a pretty finish and a delicate touch of sweetness. Slice into clean squares or rectangles for an easy grab-and-go dessert.

Add whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar adds an airy contrast to the creamy lemon filling. Pipe a swirl for an extra-special presentation, especially if you’re serving guests.

Garnish with lemon flair: Add a thin lemon slice, twist, or a sprinkle of extra zest on top for a pop of color and citrusy charm. It’s an easy way to make them look bakery-worthy with minimal effort.

Serve chilled: These bars are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. The cool temperature enhances their creamy texture and makes them super refreshing—perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Pair with tea or coffee: A hot cup of black tea, herbal citrus blend, or lightly sweetened coffee balances the brightness of the lemon beautifully. It makes for a soothing and satisfying combo.

Go mini for parties: Cut into bite-sized squares and place each on a mini cupcake liner or dessert tray. Great for baby showers, brunches, or holiday spreads.

Whether you’re serving them casually or dressing them up for a special occasion, these lemon bars bring a little sunshine to every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Technically yes, but for the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. It gives a brighter, more natural citrus taste, and the zest adds an extra layer of lemony goodness you just can’t get from a bottle.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they’re even better the next day. Make them the night before and let them chill overnight. This gives the filling time to set fully and makes slicing cleaner.

Do I need to use parchment paper in the pan?
It’s not required, but it helps a lot when lifting the bars out for clean slicing and serving. Just make sure to leave a little overhang so you can easily lift them out once chilled.

Can I freeze lemon cream pie bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. Once they’re fully chilled and cut, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the crust?
Powdered sugar creates a softer, more tender crust. If you’re in a pinch, you can pulse granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine it’s a quick DIY substitute!

Can I use a different pan size?
An 8×8-inch pan is ideal for thick, creamy bars. A 9×9 pan will work too, but the bars will be slightly thinner and may bake a few minutes quicker.

Conclusion

Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the ultimate answer to those moments when you’re craving something sweet, bright, and satisfying—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With their buttery shortbread crust and silky lemon filling, they strike the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. Every bite is sunshine on a fork!

Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat, a spring brunch, or a summer potluck, these bars are sure to be a hit. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant enough to impress guests especially with a little whipped cream and a lemon twist on top.

We love how versatile they are too. Make them ahead, stash a few in the freezer for future cravings, or dress them up for a party platter—these bars are as flexible as they are flavorful. They store beautifully, travel well, and taste even better after a day of chilling.

And perhaps best of all? You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps to get bakery-worthy results. A few pantry staples, fresh lemons, and a little bit of love are all it takes to whip up this feel-good dessert.

So the next time you’re looking for a no-fuss treat that brings a little burst of joy to your day, these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are here for you. Bake a batch, share a few, and keep a couple just for you you’ve earned it!

And if you loved this recipe, don’t stop here explore more sweet, citrusy, and easy-to-make desserts that bring just as much joy. For the full printable recipe and even more tasty inspiration, check out the original here:
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe

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