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Creamy No-Bake Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Two stacked squares of vibrant yellow no-bake lemon bars topped with powdered sugar on a white marble surface.
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Make these easy no bake lemon squares dessert that set up perfectly in the refrigerator. This quick chilled lemon bar recipe uses sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, bright filling.

Ingredients

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  • 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 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 on two sides for easy removal. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
  4. Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the bars are firm and set. This is crucial for clean cuts.
  7. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares.
  8. Dust the tops of the no bake lemon bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten free no bake lemon bars option, substitute the graham crackers with gluten free graham crackers or use an almond flour/butter base for the crust.
  • If you want a firmer set, you can add 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water to the filling mixture just before pouring it into the crust.
  • Chill the knife under cold water before slicing to achieve the cleanest cuts on your creamy no bake lemon bars.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/no-bake-lemon-bars-recipe/