Some of my favorite kitchen memories start with a craving and very little motivation. That’s exactly how these lazy day lemon cream pie bars came to life. One hot afternoon, I had no interest in turning on the oven, but I was seriously craving something lemony. I glanced at a half-used lemon pie filling in the fridge and a pack of graham crackers in the pantry. Fifteen minutes later, I had a tray of sweet, citrusy bars chilling—and a new staple in my dessert routine.
These bars are rich, creamy, and cheerful, just like a ray of sunshine tucked into every bite. The best part? They require minimal effort but deliver a big flavor payoff. Think of them as the dessert version of putting on comfy clothes after a long day—no stress, just instant comfort.
They remind me of the same cozy simplicity I love in this no-bake protein cheesecake, where minimal ingredients come together for a satisfying result. And if you’re a fan of no-fuss indulgence, you’ll probably also love these creamy cheesecake dessert bars loaded with buttery crunch and soft filling.
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Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Creamy, chilled, and perfect for citrus lovers, these lazy day lemon cream pie bars come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Ingredients
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice
1½ cups lemon pie filling
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
2. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Chill for 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add condensed milk and lemon juice. Mix until creamy.
5. Fold in lemon pie filling gently.
6. Pour mixture over chilled crust. Spread evenly.
7. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
8. Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy!
Notes
Add whipped cream or lemon zest on top before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can use store-bought or homemade lemon pie filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Table of Contents
The Backstory of Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
The Magic of “Lazy Day” Desserts
Let’s face it—some days, you just don’t want to bake. Whether it’s the weather, your schedule, or pure exhaustion, these are the moments when recipes like lazy day lemon cream pie bars shine. They deliver all the flavor of classic lemon desserts with none of the hassle. The lemony cream layer is silky smooth, while the crust offers just the right bit of texture and buttery depth.
It’s like the dessert twin of this easy Oreo mug cake, which gives you delicious results in minutes using pantry staples. Both prove that sometimes, lazy means being smart.
A Tangy Twist on Classic Lemon Pie
These lazy day lemon cream pie bars are a shortcut marvel, blending familiar flavors in a new and convenient way. It’s inspired by the lemon pie you’d take to potlucks, but redesigned to be weekday-friendly. Instead of baking a full pie, you get sliceable squares that chill beautifully and store well. The texture is somewhere between a mousse and a soft cheesecake—a lemon-lover’s dream with a cool, refreshing finish.
If your taste buds enjoy classic combinations with a no-bake edge, these bars will feel right at home next to something like this eggless chocolate mug cake, where simplicity meets rich flavor without the need for eggs or an oven.
How to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Step-by-Step
The Crust: Simple, Buttery, Perfect
The base of these lazy day lemon cream pie bars is a classic graham cracker crust. It gives structure and a touch of sweetness that contrasts the tangy lemon layer. All you need is graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mix firmly into your pan, and chill it while you work on the filling. If you love easy crusts, you’ll enjoy the one in this low-carb almond flour mug cake too—both are pantry-friendly and quick to prep.
The Filling: Bright, Creamy, and Lemony
The filling for these bars comes together in under 10 minutes. You’ll combine softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon pie filling until smooth. It’s creamy with a refreshing citrus punch. This lemony layer firms up in the fridge, giving you clean, perfect slices.
If you like this kind of rich filling with a chilled texture, you’ll want to check out this brownie-in-a-mug shortcut for a fudgy dessert that also requires minimal effort.
Ingredients for Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
| For the Crust | For the Filling |
|---|---|
| 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs | 8 oz cream cheese, softened |
| 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted | 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk |
| 2 tbsp sugar (optional) | ½ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled) |
| 1½ cups lemon pie filling (store-bought or homemade) |
Instructions to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until evenly combined.
- Press into pan: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice, mixing until creamy.
- Fold in lemon pie filling: Gently fold the lemon pie filling into the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
- Layer over crust: Pour the lemon mixture over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill until set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) until fully set.
- Slice and serve: Cut into squares and enjoy cold. Optional: top with whipped cream or fresh lemon zest.
The smooth process of making these lazy day lemon cream pie bars reminds me of how easy dessert prep can be—just like with this eggless chocolate mug cake that’s ready in minutes and feels homemade from the first bite.
Variations and Storage Tips for Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Make-Ahead Magic That Works Every Time
The beauty of lazy day lemon cream pie bars is how well they hold up in the fridge. You can make them the night before and wake up to a chilled dessert ready to go. They keep fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. For best results, place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking slices.
This make-ahead approach is why I also love prepping desserts like this high-protein mug cake—quick to make, even better the next day. Whether you’re meal-prepping or just love having sweet treats on hand, these bars are low-effort and long-lasting.
Creative Variations to Suit Your Mood
Want to switch it up? Swap the lemon pie filling for key lime or raspberry. You can also add a handful of crushed nuts to the crust or a swirl of whipped cream on top. These tweaks give lazy day lemon cream pie bars a personalized spin while keeping that creamy, tangy profile intact.
When I’m craving something chocolatey but still easy, I turn to this Oreo mug cake recipe—another flexible favorite that proves desserts don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. The lemon version always remains a staple, but feel free to let your imagination lead.
FAQ About Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
Can I make lazy day lemon cream pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for prepping in advance. Just chill them for at least four hours, or overnight, so they fully set. This makes them an easy make-ahead dessert for gatherings, especially when you want to avoid last-minute stress in the kitchen.
What crust works best for these bars?
The most popular option is a graham cracker crust. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and adds the perfect buttery base to contrast the creamy lemon layer. You can also try shortbread or crushed vanilla cookies if you’re looking for a twist.
How do I store leftover bars?
To keep your lazy day lemon cream pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last up to five days. If you’re stacking them, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
Can I use store-bought lemon pie filling?
Definitely. Using a ready-made lemon pie filling saves time and keeps the process simple—true to the “lazy day” spirit. It still delivers that tangy brightness and creamy texture that makes these bars so irresistible.
Conclusion: A Lemon-Lover’s Dream That’s Always Ready to Chill
Lazy day lemon cream pie bars bring comfort and ease to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or just need a sweet moment at the end of the day, these bars deliver every time. With just a few pantry staples and a chill in the fridge, you’ll have a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.
If quick, cozy desserts are your thing, you’ll feel right at home with us. Follow along for more simple microwave and mug-friendly treats on Pinterest, where I share daily recipe pins, or join the conversation and behind-the-scenes peeks on Facebook. I’m always sharing new ways to bring comfort to your cup—or square.