Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Looking for a sweet treat that’s perfect for those lazy days? These Lemon Cream Pie Bars are not only easy to make but will satisfy your cravings for something tangy and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into bars and top with whipped cream before serving.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making my own?
- Q: Can I substitute lime juice for lemon juice?
- Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought crust for convenience. However, making your own crust from scratch adds a homemade touch to the recipe.
A: Yes, you can substitute lime juice for a different citrus flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will be different from the traditional lemon cream pie bars.
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version of the dessert.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra tangy flavor, add more lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Try topping the bars with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a fruity twist.
- For a crunchy texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top of the whipped cream.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid any lumps in the filling.
- Refrigerating the bars for at least 2 hours ensures that they set properly and are easy to slice.
- For a bolder lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice.