Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars – Easy, Creamy Lemon Dessert

For the lemon cream filling, begin by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. The sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy, rich base, while the lemon juice and zest provide the fresh, tangy flavor that makes this pie bar so refreshing.

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This step will give your filling the light, airy texture that makes it feel like a cream pie. Once the cream has reached the right consistency, gently fold it into the lemon mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as you want the filling to stay light and creamy.

Pour the lemon cream filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure the filling is evenly distributed across the entire surface. The filling should be thick and creamy, but it will set further as it chills.

Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and fully set. The longer you let them chill, the better the flavors will meld together, and the easier they will be to cut into neat, clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Once the bars are fully set, remove them from the fridge and slice them into squares or rectangles. These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are perfect for a light dessert after dinner or for serving at a gathering. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for an added touch of elegance.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These bars are ideal for making ahead! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Tips

• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for more of that citrusy bite.
• For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the crust.
• To make the topping even more decadent, drizzle some white chocolate over the bars before serving or add a few fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.