Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

I’ve created delightful Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars—tart lemon curd layered over a buttery crust and topped with a smooth cream cheese layer. These bars taste like your favorite lemon pie but are easy to slice and serve without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the bright, zesty lemon filling balances with the creamy layer, all resting on a crisp crust. They’re effortless—no rolling pie dough or whipping meringue—and perfect when I crave a refreshing lemony treat without too much work.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Cream cheese, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Lemon zest

• Heavy cream or milk (optional, to thin cream layer)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms a sandy, pressable dough.

3. Press two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining crumbs for topping later.

4. Bake crust for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

5. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

6. Fold lemon juice and zest into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

7. Spread the cream cheese layer over the baked crust in an even layer.

8. Sprinkle reserved crust crumbs over the lemon cream layer.

9. Bake again for about 10–12 minutes, until the topping is just set.

10. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing using the parchment overhang.

Servings and timing

Makes about 9 bars.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• First bake (crust): 12–15 minutes

• Assembly and second bake: 10–12 minutes

• Cooling and chilling: 1 hour

• Total time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

• Graham crust: Replace part of the crust with crushed graham crackers for a sweeter base.

• Berry swirl: Drop small dollops of raspberry or strawberry jam on top before baking and swirl gently.

• Lemon curd boost: Spread a thin layer of store-bought or homemade lemon curd between the crust and cream layer for extra tang.

• Coconut crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the topping before the second bake.

Storage/reheating

I store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re best served chilled or just slightly warmed at room temperature. I avoid reheating since the creamy layer can soften too much.

FAQs

Can I skip the second bake and serve them chilled only?

Yes—I sometimes skip the second bake and simply chill the assembled bars, though baking sets the top slightly for easier slicing.

How do I prevent cracks in the cream layer?

I spread the cream mixture evenly and bake just until set—overbaking can cause cracks. Chilling before slicing helps too.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I bake and chill them the night before and take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving.

How do I get clean slices?

I run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then slice for clean edges—warming helps prevent cracking.

Can I add more citrus to the flavor?

Definitely—I grate extra lemon zest on top before baking or stir in a little lime or orange zest for a citrus twist.

Conclusion

These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars bring together tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture in a simple, no-fuss bar format. I love how bright and refreshing they are, and how effortlessly they come together. Perfect for warm days or anytime I need a light, satisfying dessert!