Name: Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs; 7 tbsp butter; 2½ tbsp granulated sugar; 1½ cups sweetened condensed milk; ¼ cup heavy cream; 5 large egg yolks; 1 pinch salt; 1 tsp lemon zest; ⅔ cup lemon juice; For Whipped Topping:; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Indulge in the zesty delight of lemon cream pie bars, perfect for any occasion. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy lemon filling, topped with whipped cream to create a refreshing and decadent treat.

Photos of Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe

For this recipe, you might not always have sweetened condensed milk or heavy cream in your pantry. Ensure to pick these up at the supermarket. Also, make sure you have enough lemon juice and lemon zest to bring out the fresh citrus flavor.

Ingredients For Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Graham cracker crumbs: Finely crushed to form the base of the crust.

Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crust.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and whipped topping.

Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a creamy texture and sweetness to the filling.

Heavy cream: Used in both the filling and whipped topping for a rich and smooth texture.

Egg yolks: Helps to thicken the filling.

Salt: Enhances the flavors in the filling.

Lemon zest: Adds a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.

Lemon juice: Provides the tangy flavor essential to the filling.

One reader, Israel Devore says:

These lemon cream pie bars are a delightful treat! The tangy lemon filling perfectly balances the sweet graham cracker crust. The whipped cream topping adds a lovely, airy finish. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they were a hit at my family gathering. Highly recommend!

Israel Devore

Techniques Required for Making Lemon Cream Pie Bars

How to crush graham crackers: Place graham crackers in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs, or use a food processor for a quicker method. How to melt butter: Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in short intervals until fully melted, or melt it in a small saucepan over low heat. How to zest a lemon: Use a microplane or fine grater to remove the yellow outer layer of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. How to whip cream: Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form, then add sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

How To Make Lemon Cream Pie Bars

When life gives you lemons, make these lemon cream pie bars. All the flavors of a classic pie in bite-sized bars. Add some whipped topping for good measure.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Cool Time: 3 hours

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsfinely crushed graham cracker crumbsfrom 11½ full sheets
7tbspbuttermelted, salted
2½tbspgranulated sugar
1½cupssweetened condensed milk
¼cupheavy cream+ 2 tbsp
5largeegg yolks
1pinchsalt
1tsplemon zest
⅔cuplemon juicefresh

For Whipped Topping:

1cupheavy cream
3tbspgranulated sugarto taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened.
Press mixture into an even layer in a prepared baking dish.
Bake for 11 minutes in a preheated oven. Remove from oven and cool for about 30 minutes.
To a large mixing bowl, add sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup + 2 heavy cream, egg yolks, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk mixture until well blended.
Pour into cooled crust and bake in the preheated 350 degrees F oven for about 28 to 30 minutes, or until edges appear set and the middle is still slightly jiggling.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and chill for 3 to 4 hours, until set.
Cut into bars and top with whipped cream just before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Topping:

In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer), whip heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form.
Add sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Store in refrigerator or use within several hours of preparing.

Nutrition

Calories: 348.90kcal
Fat: 22.85g
Saturated Fat: 13.11g
Trans Fat: 0.34g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.58g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.88g
Carbohydrates: 32.43g
Fiber: 0.21g
Sugar: 28.14g
Protein: 5.21g
Cholesterol: 141.63mg
Sodium: 121.98mg
Calcium: 144.77mg
Potassium: 192.23mg
Iron: 0.55mg
Vitamin A: 213.85µg
Vitamin C: 6.60mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Lemon Cream Pie Bars

When making the whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream is very cold. This helps it whip up faster and achieve a better texture. You can even chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before whipping.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Prepare the crust ahead: Make the graham cracker crust a day before and store it in the refrigerator.

Use bottled lemon juice: Save time by using pre-squeezed lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Chill in the freezer: Speed up the chilling process by placing the lemon cream pie bars in the freezer for the first 30 minutes.

Whip cream in advance: Prepare the whipped cream topping while the bars are baking and store it in the refrigerator.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe

finely crushed graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with finely crushed digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter in most baking recipes.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness level and can add a slight caramel flavor.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mix evaporated milk with sugar to achieve a similar consistency and sweetness.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar richness and can be used in both the filling and whipped topping.
large egg yolks - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can mimic the texture and binding properties of egg yolks in the filling.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest offers a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and can be used in the same quantity.
heavy cream - Substitute with whipping cream: Whipping cream can be used to make the whipped topping with a similar texture and taste.
granulated sugar - Substitute with powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and can be used in the whipped topping for a smoother texture.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Create a sturdy base: Start by pressing the graham cracker crumbs mixture firmly into the baking dish to form an even crust. This will ensure a solid foundation for the lemon cream pie bars.
Bake to perfection: Pre-bake the crust until it is golden and slightly firm. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Prepare a silky filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This will create a luscious, tangy filling.
Pour and bake: Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. This ensures a creamy, custard-like consistency.
Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator. This step helps the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut clean, sharp bars.
Cut with precision: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into even squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain neat edges.
Whip the topping: Whip heavy cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a light, airy topping that complements the rich filling.
Pipe the whipped cream: Use a piping bag to add a decorative swirl of whipped cream on top of each bar. This adds an elegant touch and enhances the presentation.
Garnish with zest: Sprinkle a small amount of lemon zest over the whipped cream for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Serve on fine china: Present the bars on a pristine white plate to highlight their vibrant yellow color. Add a small garnish of fresh mint leaves for a touch of green and a hint of freshness.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Oven: Used to bake the crust and the lemon cream filling to set them properly.
8-inch by 8-inch baking dish: The dish where the crust and filling are layered and baked.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine ingredients for both the crust and the filling.
Whisk: Helps in blending the ingredients smoothly for the filling.
Electric hand mixer: Used to whip the heavy cream for the topping until stiff peaks form.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
Spatula: Helps in pressing the graham cracker mixture into the baking dish and for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dish while chilling in the refrigerator to set the bars.
Knife: For cutting the set lemon cream pie into bars.
Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the bars to set them properly before serving.
Airtight container: Used to store the lemon cream pie bars in the refrigerator.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Once the lemon cream pie bars have cooled to room temperature, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm.
To store leftovers, keep the bars in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the bars will still taste delicious.
If you want to freeze the lemon cream pie bars, follow these steps:
1. Cut the bars into individual servings and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Freeze the bars until they are solid, about 2-3 hours.
3. Once frozen, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen lemon cream pie bars, transfer the desired number of bars from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the bars at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before serving.
For best results, add the whipped cream topping just before serving, as it may not hold up well in the freezer or during long periods of refrigeration.

Interesting Trivia About Lemon Cream Pie Bars

A fun fact about this lemon cream pie bars recipe is that the graham cracker crust provides a perfect balance to the tangy lemon filling, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Is Making Lemon Cream Pie Bars at Home Cost-Effective?

This lemon cream pie bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like graham crackers, butter, and sugar, the primary expenses are the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and fresh lemons. These ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Lemon Cream Pie Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?

The lemon cream pie bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the high amounts of butter, sugar, and heavy cream used in both the crust and the filling. These ingredients contribute to the dish's high calorie, fat, and sugar content. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, as it primarily consists of processed ingredients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the graham cracker crust, or opt for a healthier base like a whole-grain or nut-based crust
Replace some of the sweetened condensed milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or coconut milk
Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites instead of just egg yolks to lower the cholesterol content
Increase the amount of lemon zest to boost the citrus flavor without adding more sugar or fat
Experiment with using Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream as a lighter topping alternative
Serve smaller portions and pair the bars with fresh fruit to add fiber and nutrients to the dessert

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while being more mindful of your health. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly fine to indulge in a decadent dessert occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet.

Editor's Opinion on the Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe

This lemon cream pie bars recipe is a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion. The graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy lemon filling offers a refreshing citrus burst. The whipped cream topping adds a light, airy finish that complements the richness of the bars. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Overall, this recipe is a fantastic choice for a refreshing dessert that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter: The smoky char of grilled asparagus pairs exquisitely with the citrusy notes of the lemon cream pie bars. A drizzle of lemon butter enhances the harmony of flavors, making each bite a refreshing delight.

Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders: These crispy, herb-crusted chicken tenders provide a savory contrast to the sweet and tangy lemon cream pie bars. The herbs add a fragrant touch, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.

Mango Avocado Salad: Mango Avocado Salad: A vibrant mango avocado salad brings a tropical twist to your dessert. The creamy avocado and juicy mango, tossed with a light citrus dressing, complement the lemon cream pie bars beautifully, adding a burst of freshness.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: The earthy sweetness of roasted beets combined with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese creates a sophisticated side that enhances the zesty flavor of the lemon cream pie bars. A sprinkle of walnuts adds a delightful crunch.

Chilled Cucumber Soup: Chilled Cucumber Soup: This refreshing chilled cucumber soup serves as a perfect palate cleanser before indulging in the lemon cream pie bars. The cool, crisp flavors of cucumber and a hint of dill provide a light and invigorating start to your dessert course.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Key Lime Pie Bars: Craving a zesty twist? These Key Lime Pie Bars are a tropical delight. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy key lime filling, they're the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. A rich, velvety cheesecake layer sits atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, all crowned with a luscious strawberry topping. Perfect for any dessert lover!

Blueberry Crumble Bars: For a burst of berry flavor, try Blueberry Crumble Bars. These bars feature a sweet and tangy blueberry filling sandwiched between a buttery crust and a crumbly topping. Ideal for a summer dessert or a sweet snack.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. A decadent combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these bars are a match made in heaven. Perfect for dessert or a special treat.

Raspberry Lemon Bars: Brighten your day with Raspberry Lemon Bars. These bars combine the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of raspberries, all atop a buttery shortbread crust. A refreshing and delightful dessert for any occasion.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Transform your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The breadcrumbs on top add a delightful crunch, while the Parmesan cheese melts to golden perfection. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer spread with these vibrant caprese skewers. Picture juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves threaded onto skewers. Drizzle with a rich balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet elegant starter. These skewers are not only visually appealing but also burst with the classic flavors of Caprese salad, making them a hit at any event.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. The marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of citrus flavor, while the herbs add a fragrant touch. Grill the chicken to perfection, achieving a beautiful char and juicy interior. Serve alongside a light arugula salad tossed with olive oil and parmesan shavings for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Indulge in the rich and tangy flavors of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, then simmered in a luscious lemon cream sauce. The sauce, made with heavy cream and a hint of parmesan, perfectly coats the al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce.

Why trust this Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe:

This lemon cream pie bars recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect crunchy base, while the lemon filling is creamy and tangy, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. The whipped cream topping adds a light and airy finish. Each step is straightforward, ensuring a foolproof result. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Want to discuss this Lemon Cream Pie Bars recipe further? Head over to the Baking and Desserts section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

How do I know when the lemon cream pie bars are fully baked?

You'll know the bars are done when the edges appear set and the middle is still slightly jiggling. This should take about 28 to 30 minutes in the oven.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

Absolutely, you can use store-bought whipped cream if you're short on time. However, making your own whipped cream will give you a fresher and more flavorful topping.

How long do these lemon cream pie bars need to chill before serving?

After cooling at room temperature for 1 hour, you'll need to chill the bars in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours until they are fully set.

Can I make these lemon cream pie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping just before serving.

What can I use if I don't have graham crackers for the crust?

If you don't have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies as a substitute for the crust.