Description
No-Bake Lemon Bars combine a creamy, tangy lemon filling with a buttery, crumbly crust, offering a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Simple to make and no baking required!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press into pan: Transfer the crust mixture into an 8×8-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized dish) and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up while you prepare the lemon filling.
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and lemon juice: Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice to the cream cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add lemon zest: Stir in the lemon zest for added flavor and freshness.
- Spread the filling: Once the crust has chilled, spread the lemon filling evenly over the crust with a spatula.
- Chill the bars: Refrigerate the assembled lemon bars for at least 3 hours, or until the filling has set and is firm to the touch.
- Cut and serve: Once the lemon bars are fully chilled and set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Garnish with extra lemon zest or powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Berry-Topped Lemon Bars: Add fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) on top for extra color and flavor.
- Coconut Lemon Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust or top with toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a completely dairy-free version.
- Lemon-Lime Bars: Swap half of the lemon juice for lime juice for a citrusy combo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
