No-Bake Lemon Bars
No-bake lemon bars are a refreshing, tangy dessert with a smooth lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, perfect for a light, citrusy treat without the need for an oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 2.5-3.5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the lemon filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom of an 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish to form an even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Lemon Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the chilled graham cracker crust. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set. For best results, let the bars chill overnight.
- Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and garnish with powdered sugar or lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on top.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust.
- For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the crust.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/no-bake-lemon-bars/
