If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that strikes the perfect harmony between tangy citrus brightness and creamy indulgence, Lemon Cream Pie Bars will absolutely make your day. Imagine sunshiny lemon flavor wrapped up in a smooth, luscious filling and set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are one of those treats that feel elegant yet incredibly comforting, ideal for sharing at gatherings or simply savoring as a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you crave the zing of fresh lemons or that silky pie texture, this recipe offers a little slice of happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Lemon Cream Pie Bars truly shines in its simplicity—each item has a role in bringing flavor, creaminess, or texture. These everyday staples come together magically, proving you don’t need anything fancy to make show-stopping desserts!

Graham cracker crumbs: These create the classic, buttery crust with a gently sweet crunch that supports the creamy filling.
Granulated sugar: A key element for sweetening both the crust and the filling, and it helps achieve that perfect golden top.
Unsalted butter (melted): The rich binder for the crust, giving it its unmistakable flavor and gorgeous texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to a dreamy, smooth filling that’s luxuriously creamy and just sweet enough.
Large egg yolks: They thicken the filling, making it set to the ideal soft-but-sliceable texture—just what you want in Lemon Cream Pie Bars!
Fresh lemon juice: This is where all that zippy, unmistakable lemon flavor comes from; freshly squeezed is truly the best.
Lemon zest: Don’t skip this; it brings an extra pop of perfume and elevates the citrus profile.
Vanilla extract: A little touch of vanilla gently rounds out and smooths the lemon’s bright edges.
Whipped cream and lemon slices (optional for garnish): Light, pretty, and a perfect way to finish your bars for extra flair.

How to Make Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then grab a medium mixing bowl for the crust. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir everything together until every crumb is moistened—it should look a bit like wet sand. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal, then press your mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. This will set the foundation for those Lemon Cream Pie Bars! Give it a quick bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool just slightly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Luscious Lemon Filling

While your crust is cooling, it’s time for that irresistible filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the mixture is silky and perfectly combined—this step ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed, and you get that signature creamy texture in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust has cooled for a few minutes, pour the lemon filling over the top and gently spread it into an even layer with a spatula. Pop the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is just set; it’ll still have a slight wobble, which is exactly what you want for smooth Lemon Cream Pie Bars.

Step 4: Cool and Chill to Perfection

After baking, let your bars cool at room temperature. Don’t rush this step—letting it cool gradually helps the filling sit beautifully on the crust. Once it reaches room temp, slide the pan into the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This makes slicing a breeze and gives the bars that irresistibly creamy texture.

Step 5: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Once fully chilled, lift out the bars using the parchment, and slice them into nine even squares. To take your Lemon Cream Pie Bars over the top, add a swirl of fluffy whipped cream and a pretty wedge of lemon. Now all that’s left is to share and enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Garnishes

A little garnish turns these bars from simple to stunning. A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic choice, or try a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for a vibrant touch. A thin lemon slice perched on top adds visual flair and a sophisticated finish—something sure to impress your guests!

Side Dishes

Though these Lemon Cream Pie Bars easily steal the spotlight, they’re delightful alongside a light fruit salad, fresh berries, or even a simple iced tea. Pairing them with other citrusy or berry-forward desserts gives you an easy, harmonious dessert tray that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by cutting the bars into bite-sized pieces for party platters or stacking them with small squares of parchment between layers. For a picnic or outdoor event, tuck individual bars into cupcake wrappers. You can also serve them in mini mason jars as adorable, grab-and-go single servings—talk about an Instagrammable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Cream Pie Bars truly hold up well in the fridge, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert. After slicing, store bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Want to have a stash of Lemon Cream Pie Bars ready for surprise cravings? Place the fully chilled, sliced bars in a single layer on a tray to freeze until solid, then move them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply allow a frozen bar to thaw in the fridge, or serve a refrigerated one straight from the container for the most refreshing bite.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor that makes a real difference in these Lemon Cream Pie Bars. For the best result, reach for fresh lemons (Meyer lemons are extra special if you can find them!).

Do I need to use parchment paper?

Yes—lining your pan with parchment paper not only helps prevent sticking but also makes removing and slicing your Lemon Cream Pie Bars so much easier. It’s a tiny step that pays off big time!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version. There are many great brands out there, and the bars turn out just as delicious with no change in method.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes! You can easily double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The baking time may need a minor adjustment (add a few extra minutes and watch for doneness), but everything else stays the same.

Can I make Lemon Cream Pie Bars a day in advance?

These bars are wonderful as a make-ahead dessert. In fact, chilling overnight only improves their flavor and texture, so don’t hesitate to prepare them the day before your event.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about sharing Lemon Cream Pie Bars with friends and family. With each bite, you get sunny citrus, creamy filling, and a crunchy crust—it truly has it all. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, impressive, and utterly delicious, give these bars a try and let the compliments roll in!

Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tangy sweetness of Lemon Cream Pie Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious lemon filling, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Whipped cream
Lemon slices

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a lined baking dish and bake.
Make the Filling: Whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
Bake: Bake until just set, then cool and refrigerate.
Serve: Slice into bars and garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices.