Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that’s easy to whip up and brightens your day, look no further than Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars! These bars combine the tangy freshness of lemon with a creamy filling, all on a buttery crust. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you have a hankering for something sweet, this recipe is a breeze to make!

Why make this recipe?

This Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars recipe is a winner because it requires minimal effort while still delivering maximum flavor. With few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious treat that tastes like it took hours to make. Plus, the refreshing lemon flavor is perfect for any occasion, making it a great hit with friends and family!

How to prepare Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🥯
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍬
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed 🧈
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 🥛
• 4 large egg yolks 🥚
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 to 4 lemons) 🍋
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
• Powdered sugar for dusting 🍬
• Whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish 🍰🍋

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
7. Dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices before serving.

How to serve Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Serve these bars chilled for a delightful treat! They are delicious on their own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness. They also make for a great dessert after dinner!

How to store Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare these bars a day in advance!

Tips for preparing Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

• Make sure your butter is cold when mixing the crust; this helps achieve that perfect flaky texture.
• For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lemon zest.
• You can add a bit of food coloring to the filling for a brighter look if you’re feeling creative!

Variations

If you want to jazz these bars up, consider adding a hint of coconut by mixing in shredded coconut to the crust or the filling. Alternatively, you can try incorporating berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch for this recipe.

Q: Can these bars be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just make sure they are well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: How do I know when the lemon filling is set?
A: The filling should be slightly firm to the touch and no longer jiggly in the center when done baking. It will set more as it cools in the refrigerator.

Enjoy making your Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars! 🍋✨