Name: Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cup graham crackers (about 2-3 small packages); 5 tbsp melted butter; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 3 egg yolks; 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemons juice (about 5-6 lemons); Whipped cream; Powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

There is nothing quite like the bright, tangy burst of lemon paired with a luxuriously smooth texture to brighten up any dessert table, and that is exactly what the Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe delivers. This delightful recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious treat with a crunchy graham cracker crust and a silky, zesty lemon filling that’s irresistibly refreshing. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dessert or a stunning centerpiece for your next gathering, these lemon bars hit all the right notes and are guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl full of whole yellow lemons with smooth, shiny skin, with one lemon cut in half, revealing its pale yellow juicy inside and placed on the right edge of the bowl. Below it is a smaller clear glass bowl holding three bright orange egg yolks with a smooth, glossy texture. To the right, there is a wooden cutting board with a smooth finish, and on it lies a black-handled knife. In the bottom right corner, a blue and white cup holds a pale yellow liquid with a drop spilled on the white marbled surface under it. The background is a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe keeps things uncomplicated yet flavorful. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the buttery graham cracker crust adding crunch and richness, to the sweetened condensed milk delivering creaminess, and fresh lemons bringing that signature tang that wakes up your taste buds.

1 1/3 cups graham crackers: Provides a crisp, slightly sweet foundation for the crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
5 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together while adding a rich, mellow flavor.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making the sweetness and tang more vibrant.
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: The secret to the creamy, luscious filling that makes these bars so irresistible.
3 egg yolks: Helps thicken the lemon filling and adds a velvety texture.
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons): Provides the fresh citrus zing essential for that zesty kick.
Whipped cream (optional): Offers a light, airy topping to complement the bars’ richness.
Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, take an 8×8 baking pan and line it with two pieces of parchment paper arranged in a cross shape. This clever setup creates handy handles so you can easily lift out the lemon bars later without any mess.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Put your graham crackers in a food processor and blend until they’re finely ground crumbs—this should be about 1 1/3 cups. Mix these crumbs with melted butter, kosher salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Once combined, press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan, making sure it comes up slightly on the edges to hold the filling in place during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake your crust for 5 minutes. This quick step sets the crust, giving it that crisp texture that holds up beautifully against the creamy filling. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened; this will ensure your filling has that silky, creamy consistency that makes this Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe so delectable.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars

Pour your luscious lemon mixture over the cooled crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, allowing the filling to set but stay creamy. When done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature before heading to the fridge.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the lemon bars for a minimum of three hours or even overnight. This chilling step is essential as it helps the bars firm up perfectly, making them easier to cut and enjoy.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe

A batch of lemon bars arranged on light brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. There are sixteen square pieces in four rows and four columns; the bars have a smooth, pale yellow layer on top with small lemon zest bits scattered throughout. The crust layer underneath is light brown and crumbly, visible on the edges and where one square has been slightly moved away, revealing the thickness. A dusting of powdered sugar lightly covers the top of each bar. Near the top right corner, a half lemon and a full lemon sit on the white marbled surface, with some green leaves placed in the top center of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these lemon bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast against the tangy filling. Dusting melted powdered sugar over the bars adds an elegant sweet touch and a beautiful finish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair your lemon bars with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the citrus experience. The frozen creaminess of the ice cream beautifully balances the lemon’s tartness, making your dessert feel extra indulgent without much effort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve these lemon bars on a platter layered with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves to add color and a hint of freshness. Cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving on cocktail picks can turn these into charming finger foods perfect for parties or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled not only preserves their creaminess but also maintains the crust’s crunch and the bars’ bright lemon flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

While these lemon bars are best served cold, if you prefer a slightly warmer treat, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may compromise the creaminess and texture of the filling.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice gives the brightest and most vibrant flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose high-quality juice with no added preservatives for the best taste.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper for the pan?

Using parchment paper is highly recommended to easily lift the lemon bars out of the pan without breaking them. It’s a simple hack that makes serving and cleanup much easier.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?

The filling should look set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool and chill.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan like a 9×13. Just keep an eye on baking times, as a larger pan might require extra minutes to set fully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about whipping up a dessert that’s both effortless and irresistibly tasty, and this Easy Creamy Lemon Bars Recipe nails that balance perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these lemon bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brighten up any occasion. So go ahead and give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!