Some days call for dessert, but not the dishes, not the oven, and definitely not the stress. Enter: Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars. Light, bright, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, these bars are your new favorite no-fuss dessert.
Inspired by lemon icebox pie and the magic of no-bake treats, this lazy day lemon cream pie bars recipe is for those moments when you want something refreshing and homemade, without turning on the oven. They’re ideal for spring and summer gatherings—or just when you’re craving something lemony and sweet with a cool, creamy bite.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stashing a pan in the fridge just for yourself, these bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No bake required—perfect for warm days or quick prep
- Creamy and light with a bright lemon tang
- Minimal ingredients and simple layering
- Great for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight treats
- Chill and serve—they taste even better the next day
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Crunchy and buttery base
Sub: vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crust
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and texture
Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – Creamy and rich
Use light cream cheese if preferred - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Sweet, smooth base
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled) – Tangy citrus burst
- 1 tsp lemon zest – Optional, but adds depth and freshness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor
Topping (optional but recommended):
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream – For a light, cloud-like finish
- Extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices – For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
- Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Pour filling over chilled crust and spread evenly.
- Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish before slicing and serving.
Tip: For cleaner slices, use a hot knife and wipe between cuts.
Variations & Tips
- Add a blueberry swirl to the filling for a refreshing lemon-blueberry twist.
- Serve blueberry cream pie frozen for a firmer, icebox-style treat.
- Make mini coconut cream pie bars in cupcake liners for bite-sized desserts.
- Fold whipped topping into the strawberry filling for an even lighter texture.
Reader Favorite: “I doubled the recipe and made it in a 9×13 pan for a picnic—every bar disappeared in minutes!”
FAQ: Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes! This lazy day lemon cream pie bars recipe no bake is 100% oven-free. Just chill and serve.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Absolutely. Fresh is best, but bottled works just fine for that tangy lemon flavor.
How long do they need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze lazy day lemon cream pie bars?
Yes! Freeze after chilling and cut into squares. Store in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. This recipe for lazy day lemon cream pie bars is perfect to prep the night before.
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the perfect no-bake treat when you want something sweet, tangy, and refreshing without turning on the oven. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy lemon filling, and a whipped topping, these bars are simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. A must-make for spring, summer, or any time you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- Sub: vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- Use light cream cheese if preferred
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping (optional)
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- Extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with lemon zest or slices just before serving.
Tip: For clean slices, use a hot knife and wipe between each cut.
Notes
- Use bottled lemon juice for convenience or fresh for a brighter flavor.
- Add more zest for an extra citrus punch.
- Chill overnight for best results, especially if slicing to serve guests.
- These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Community Corner
Made these lazy day lemon cream pie bars or added your own twist? Tag @TastyRecipeClub or comment below—we love seeing your creations!
