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Creamy Lemon Cream Pie Bars – Easy No-Bake Graham Cracker Crust

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These creamy lemon cream pie bars feature a luscious, tangy lemon filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. No baking required—just mix, chill, and slice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham crackers, crushed (about 16 full sheets)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 large lemons)
  • Zest from 2 large lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons extra graham cracker crumbs (optional, for topping)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
  • Thin lemon slices or zest curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form, or crush in a zip bag with a rolling pin.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl.
  3. Pour in melted butter and stir until all crumbs are coated and mixture resembles wet sand.
  4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer.
  5. Chill crust in the freezer for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
  6. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes), scraping down the sides as needed.
  7. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until fully combined.
  8. Mix in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Blend until the filling is silky, thick, and glossy.
  9. Pour lemon cream filling over the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  10. Sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs over the top if desired.
  11. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  12. Lift bars out using parchment paper (if lined), or run a knife around the edges and cut into squares.
  13. Top each bar with whipped cream and a thin lemon slice or zest curl before serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Press the crust firmly for easy slicing. Chill bars for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for a firm set. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor. Bars can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon bars, no-bake dessert, cream pie bars, summer dessert, graham cracker crust, easy lemon dessert, potluck recipe, citrus dessert

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-lemon-cream-pie-bars-recipe-easy-no-bake-graham-cracker-crust/