🍋 Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

by

Bright, creamy, and so refreshingly easy—these lemon bars are sunshine in dessert form, no fuss required.

Prep Time: 15 minutes · Bake Time: 30 minutes · Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Dietary Tags: Make-Ahead · Family-Friendly · W-W-Adaptable

✅ Ingredients Checklist

For the Crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup)

  • Sugar (¼ cup)

  • Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • Cream cheese (8 oz, softened – light or fat-free for W-W)

  • Powdered sugar (½ cup – or sugar-free alternative)

  • Whipped topping (1 cup – light or fat-free)

Lemon Layer

  • Lemon pie filling (2 cups – homemade or store-bought)

Toppings (Optional)

  • Whipped cream

  • Lemon slices

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

🥄 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

  2. Mix crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into dish.

  3. Make cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.

  4. Add lemon layer: Spoon and spread lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese mixture.

  5. Bake for 25–30 min until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.

  6. Cool completely, then refrigerate 2+ hours to set.

  7. Top & serve: Cut into bars. Garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

💡 Quick Tips

  • Chill thoroughly for clean cuts.

  • Use light cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping for a W-W-friendly version.

  • Homemade lemon curd? Even better!

I. Why “Recipe-First”?

Because easy dessert wins are all about quick access. The essentials are right here; scroll for my tweaks, tips, and ways to make these bars even lighter and brighter.

II. Introduction

Sometimes you just want a no-fuss dessert that looks and tastes like sunshine—and these Lemon Cream Pie Bars are just that. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and tart lemon topping, they’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or lazy Sundays when you want dessert without the effort.

III. Step-by-Step Dessert Guide

1. Build the Crust

  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

  • Press firmly into your greased 9×9 dish using the back of a spoon or flat measuring cup.

2. Make Cream Cheese Filling

  • Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

  • Gently fold in the whipped topping until creamy and fluffy.

  • Spread evenly over crust.

3. Add the Lemon Layer

  • Pour lemon pie filling over the cream cheese and smooth with a spatula.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are just set.

4. Cool, Chill, & Serve

  • Let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

  • Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.

  • Add toppings if desired and serve cold.

IV. Ingredient Insights & W-W Swaps

  • Graham Cracker Crust: Use light graham crackers or swap with crushed Fiber One for fewer points.

  • Cream Cheese: Light or fat-free cream cheese works beautifully and saves W-W points.

  • Whipped Topping: Choose fat-free or sugar-free varieties like Truwhip Lite.

  • Lemon Filling: Store-bought is quick; homemade lemon curd can be made W-W-friendly with monk fruit sweetener.

W-W-Friendly Swaps

  • Use 1 tbsp monk fruit + crushed high-fiber cereal for crust

  • Fat-free cream cheese + fat-free whipped topping

  • Sugar-free lemon pie filling

V. Serving & Pairing Suggestions

  • Perfect for Brunch: Serve alongside fresh berries or yogurt parfaits

  • Afternoon Treat: A slice with iced herbal tea or sparkling water

  • Fancy It Up: Garnish with candied lemon peel or fresh mint

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days

  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble and bake the day before, chill overnight

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Bar, based on original recipe)

  • Calories: ~290

  • Protein: 3 g

  • Carbs: 34 g

  • Fat: 16 g

  • Sugar: 20 g

  • W-W Points: ~8–10 (can reduce with light swaps)

Diet Tags: Vegetarian · W-W Adaptable · Make-Ahead

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a 9×13 pan instead?
A: Yes, but your bars will be thinner. Reduce bake time slightly (start checking at 20 min).

Q: Can I skip baking?
A: If using stabilized whipped topping and no-bake pie filling, yes—but chilling is still key!

Q: Can I use other flavors?
A: Absolutely—swap lemon pie filling for key lime, raspberry, or even strawberry for variety.

IX. Kristy’s Note

This dessert takes me back to lemonade stands and sunny summer days. It’s the kind of recipe I love to throw together when I don’t want to bake but still want to bring something sweet and shareable to the table. My kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make with a few quick swaps!

X. More Light & Luscious Desserts

  • W-W Creamy Lemon Yogurt Mousse

  • No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

  • Frozen Banana Whip Sundaes

✨ Make It, Chill It, Share It!

Tried these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars? Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how they brightened your day!

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