Lazy day lemon cream pie bars are the ultimate blend of creamy, zesty, and effortless—a dessert you can whip up in your pajamas and still impress the entire family. This recipe is light, bright, and ideal for hot afternoons or weekend get-togethers when you want something sweet but stress-free. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of lemon love, you’ll have a chilled, citrusy treat ready in no time. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps, share my tips for perfection, and show you why these bars are a favorite in our Southern kitchen.
Print
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars – 2025’s Creamy Citrus Trend You’ll Regret Missing
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are a light, zesty, no-bake dessert made with just a few pantry staples. Creamy, citrusy, and perfectly simple.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Optional: whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan to form crust.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until fully combined.
7. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth top.
8. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight until set.
9. Slice into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
These bars freeze well—wrap tightly and store for up to 1 month.
Wipe knife clean between cuts for sharp, clean edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Table of Contents
Why This Treat Means Home to Me
Lazy day lemon cream pie bars recipe bring back the kind of comfort I remember from summers in St. Francisville—sticky warm afternoons, humming cicadas, and the smell of lemon zest hanging in the air. I grew up helping my grandmother make pies from scratch, but this recipe? It’s the shortcut version she would’ve loved. No fuss, no rolling pins—just creamy, cool goodness that comes together with minimal effort.
The first time I made these bars, it was a last-minute dessert for a Sunday supper when the humidity was so thick you could feel it. I didn’t want to turn on the oven, but I wanted something that felt like sunshine on a plate. These hit the mark. The creamy lemon layer, graham cracker crust, and soft sweetness made them an instant family favorite.
Now that I live in New Orleans with my own little crew, I still turn to these lazy day lemon cream pie bars when we want something light but satisfying. They’ve shown up at picnics, bake sales, and even a few birthday parties. They’re that kind of versatile.
And if you’re the kind of cook who appreciates a good shortcut without sacrificing flavor, you’ll love these just as much as we do. Try pairing them with a savory classic like Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole to round out the perfect easy day menu.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just sneaking a piece before dinner (I won’t tell), recipe lazy day lemon cream pie bars are always a good idea.
How to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Simple Ingredients, Big Lemon Flavor
One of the best parts about lazy day lemon cream pie bars is how few ingredients you actually need. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already, and even if you don’t, a quick grocery trip will get you everything for under $10.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Optional: whipped cream and lemon slices for topping
This combo gives you a buttery, slightly crunchy base and a tangy, creamy filling that’s just the right amount of sweet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
In another bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until creamy and fully combined.
Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Before serving, top with whipped cream and thin lemon slices if desired.
These lazy day lemon cream pie bars are perfect for sharing after a hearty dinner like my mac and cheese meatloaf casserole—a sweet ending to a satisfying meal.
Serving Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Right
The Best Way to Slice and Serve
Lazy day lemon cream pie bars are one of those desserts that feel fancy with almost zero effort. After chilling for a few hours, they cut cleanly into squares and hold their shape beautifully. For the best results, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. I like to serve them cold—right out of the fridge—because it keeps the texture firm and refreshing.
You can dress them up with fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or thin lemon slices. They also look lovely with a few fresh mint leaves if you’re going for that summer garden-party vibe. No matter how you serve them, these bars will steal the spotlight.
We often serve them alongside savory dishes like sausage cream cheese crescents, especially when entertaining. The balance of buttery pastry and bright citrus makes for a perfect combo.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars are ideal for making ahead. Prepare them the night before, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and chill overnight. They’ll be perfectly set by the next day and even easier to slice.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lazy day lemon cream pie bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them chilled, especially in warm weather. They don’t do well sitting out for long, so serve them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
They also freeze well! Wrap individual bars in parchment and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Pop one out for a quick, sunny treat any time you like.
Easy Variations and Troubleshooting Tips
Ways to Make It Your Own
Once you’ve made lazy day lemon cream pie bars the original way, it’s fun to play with variations. One popular switch is using a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust instead of graham crackers for a slightly sweeter base. You can also swap the lemon juice for lime or even blood orange juice—great for adding a twist while keeping the same creamy texture.
Don’t like cream cheese? Mascarpone makes a rich and mellow substitute. Some readers even blend in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a little tang and added protein.
For extra flair, fold in a handful of crushed raspberries or blueberries into the filling before pouring it over the crust. The fruit adds color, flavor, and a summery touch that’s perfect for gatherings.
Try these bars after a hearty dinner like garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce—the bright citrus flavor offers the perfect contrast.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
If your bars come out runny, they likely didn’t chill long enough. Be sure to give them at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Using bottled lemon juice can also affect the flavor—it’s fine in a pinch, but fresh lemons give the best results. And if your crust crumbles when slicing, press it more firmly into the pan next time, and consider baking it for an extra 2 minutes.
Lastly, don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper. It makes removal so much easier and keeps those clean edges looking bakery-perfect.
With these tips, your lazy day lemon cream pie bars will turn out perfectly creamy, tart, and crowd-pleasing—every single time.
FAQs About Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! recipe for lazy day lemon cream pie bar are ideal for make-ahead prep. Just cover and refrigerate them overnight to let them fully set. They’ll be even easier to slice the next day.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture and flavor. These options work well in recipe lazy day lemon cream pie bar if you’re out of cream cheese or want a new spin.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled lemon juice will technically work, fresh lemon juice makes all the difference in lazy day lemon cream pie bars. It adds brightness and natural zest that bottled versions just can’t match.
Is it better to bake lemon bars in a glass or metal pan?
Both work, but a metal pan tends to conduct heat more evenly, helping the crust set better. Just line your pan with parchment for easy lifting. Either way, lazy day lemon cream pie bar will still turn out deliciously.
Can you use a graham cracker crust for a lemon pie?
Yes, and it’s the classic choice! The buttery graham base in lazy day lemon cream pie bars pairs perfectly with the creamy lemon filling, giving you that iconic sweet-meets-citrus balance.
Conclusion
There’s something special about a dessert that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort—and that’s exactly what you get with lazy day lemon cream pie bars. They’re bright, creamy, and simple enough to make on a whim but elegant enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing lunchbox treats, or just need a quick pick-me-up after dinner, these bars always deliver.
I love recipes that take me back to simpler times—standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her bake by feel and instinct. While these bars may be quicker than the pies she used to make, they carry the same kind of joy.
If you’ve got lemons, a little cream cheese, and a craving for something sweet, go ahead and give lazy day lemon cream pie bars a try. You might just find yourself making them more than once this week.
Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
