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Easy No Bake Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

A close-up of a square no-bake lemon bars slice, featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and dusted with powdered sugar.
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Make these simple, creamy no bake lemon bars using a graham cracker crust. This quick refrigerated lemon squares recipe is perfect for a make ahead summer lemon dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
  4. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix once the lemon juice is added, as this helps the filling set.
  6. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm. For best results, chill overnight.
  8. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares.
  9. Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese that is truly softened to room temperature.
  • If you do not have graham crackers, you can substitute with vanilla wafer crumbs or shortbread cookie crumbs for the crust.
  • Chill time is crucial for these no oven lemon slice recipe bars to set properly. Do not rush this step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/no-bake-lemon-bars-recipe-easy-chilled-dessert/