Bright, Buttery, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor
Craving a dessert that’s delightfully tangy, simple to make, and guaranteed to brighten any day? Look no further—these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are your new go-to!
A Friendly Calling to Action
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply want something sweet without all the fuss, this recipe is your ticket to citrusy heaven. Give these bars a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the kind of dessert that brings sunshine into your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get rich, creamy lemon filling over a soft, buttery crust. It’s a dessert that looks elegant enough for guests but is easy enough to whip up in minutes.
Perfect for spring and summer, but just as welcome during the colder months when you need a bright pick-me-up, these lemon bars deliver citrus zing and creamy sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a no-fail winner.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools:
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 9×9-inch baking dish (greased or lined)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Servings: Makes about 9–12 bars depending on cut size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these lemony delights:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a small mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be thick but pliable. This cake mix base creates a rich, slightly chewy crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy lemon filling.
Step 2: Press the Dough into the Baking Dish
Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish for easy removal. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spatula to smooth it into the corners and create an even layer. This crust will act like a soft cookie base, supporting the filling beautifully once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling
Using the same mixing bowl (because why wash another?), combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The acid from the lemon juice will slightly thicken the sweetened condensed milk, giving you that luscious pie-like texture.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Filling
Pour the lemon cream mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it all the way to the edges. The filling will set as it bakes, so don’t worry if it seems too runny at this stage.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake the lemon bars at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges start turning a light golden brown and the center is set. It should jiggle slightly in the middle, but not be liquid.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. For a firmer texture and clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature. Each bar is bursting with lemony cream and sits perfectly on its tender, buttery crust.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemons give these bars the brightest flavor. The zest adds another layer of citrusy punch.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool. Pull them out when the center is just set—overbaking can lead to dry filling.
- Chill Before Slicing: For the cleanest cuts and firm texture, chill the bars completely. A chilled bar also enhances the creamy filling texture.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or foil with a bit of overhang for easy lifting and less cleanup.
- Customize It: Want to mix it up? Add a bit of coconut to the crust or dust the top with powdered sugar after cooling.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Ideas:
- Serve these bars on a platter garnished with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for a pretty presentation.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or a glass of iced lemonade for a refreshing snack.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Place cut bars on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! A white or lemon-flavored cake mix works just as well and can even enhance the lemony flavor. Just avoid chocolate or spice cake mixes for this recipe.
Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Absolutely. While fresh juice offers better flavor, bottled lemon juice is a convenient substitute that still delivers tangy results.
Q3: Do I need to use the lemon zest?
No, it’s optional—but highly recommended. The zest brings a bright, aromatic quality that elevates the flavor.
Q4: Why is my filling runny even after baking?
It may not have baked long enough, or it needed more time to cool and set. Make sure to chill the bars before cutting for the best texture.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on the edges for doneness.
Conclusion
Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. With their luscious lemon filling, buttery crust, and easy prep, they’re perfect for when you want something homemade but don’t have the time (or energy) for a complicated bake.
These bars bring brightness to any day—lazy or not—and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, stock up on cake mix and lemons, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and tastiest treats you’ll ever make.
Try this recipe today and add a little sunshine to your dessert table!
