Name: Lemon Cream Delight Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (divided); 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix; 2 1/2 cups cold milk

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Lemon Cream Delight Bars are a luscious layered dessert that combines a buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and a smooth, creamy topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are refreshing, light, and ideal for spring and summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer a bright citrus flavor paired with a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to make ahead, slice beautifully, and are perfect for potlucks, parties, or afternoon tea. The combination of lemon and cream is both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest
Sweetened condensed milk
Eggs
Whipped topping or whipped cream
Vanilla extract
Salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine flour, softened butter, and a pinch of salt to form a crumbly mixture. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Bake crust for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Fold in whipped topping and spread over cooled crust.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Pour the lemon filling over the cream cheese layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set.
Cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Optional: Top with extra whipped cream and lemon zest before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–16 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

Add a layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with butter for a different crust texture.
Replace lemon with lime for a tropical twist.
Mix in shredded coconut to the cream layer for added flavor.
Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a milder taste.
Add a meringue topping and lightly toast it for a show-stopping presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. These bars are best served cold. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream layer may change upon thawing. Reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for preparing a day in advance and chilling overnight.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a combination of Greek yogurt and cream cheese can be used for a lighter taste.

Why did my filling crack?

Overbaking or sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. Bake until just set and allow to cool slowly.

Can I freeze lemon cream bars?

Freezing is not recommended due to potential separation in the creamy layer.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, these bars must be stored in the refrigerator due to their dairy content.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, blueberries or raspberries make excellent additions to the lemon filling.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Is the whipped topping necessary?

It helps lighten the cream cheese layer. You can substitute homemade whipped cream if desired.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?

Yes, a graham cracker crust works well and adds a slightly different flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Delight Bars are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that brings together the brightness of lemon with the smoothness of cream. Ideal for warm-weather occasions or whenever a refreshing treat is needed, these bars deliver flavor and elegance in every bite.

Lemon Cream Delight Bars

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Lemon Cream Delight Bars are a luscious layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, smooth cream cheese filling, tangy lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake with Baked Crust
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (divided)
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
2 1/2 cups cold milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and pecans (if using). Mix until crumbly.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over the cooled crust.
In another bowl, whisk together lemon pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
Top with the remaining whipped topping.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut into bars.