Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars Recipe: Quick & Delicious Dessert

I’m always on the lookout for desserts that are simple, creamy, and irresistibly tasty, and these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are exactly that.

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The combination of a delicate, nutty crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a zesty lemon pudding topping makes every bite a little piece of heaven.

I love making these bars for casual family nights, potlucks, or even just to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.

They’re light, refreshing, and rich all at once. Best of all, they’re easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

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Quick Recipe Info

Recipe Info	Details
Calories per serving	325 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	22 g
Sugar	18 g
Gluten-Free?	No
Vegan?	No
Servings	12 bars
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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There are so many reasons these lemon cream pie bars are a family favorite:

• Simple and Quick: Ready in under an hour, including baking and cooling time.
• Creamy and Zesty: The smooth cream cheese layer pairs perfectly with tangy lemon pudding.
• Nutty Crunch: A delicate walnut crust adds the perfect crunch.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or a casual treat at home.
• Customizable: You can swap the lemon pudding for chocolate, vanilla, or other flavors.

Ingredients to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

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Before we dive into making these bars, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and zesty flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Walnut Crust:

• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
  This forms the base of our bars, giving structure and a light, slightly crumbly texture that supports the creamy layers on top.
• Unsalted butter – 1 stick (8 Tbsp), softened
  Butter makes the crust rich and tender. Softened butter mixes easily with the flour and walnuts to create a firm, flavorful base.
• Chopped walnuts – 1 cup (¾ cup for crust, ¼ cup for topping)
  Walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Dividing them allows some for the crust and a little for garnish.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
  Cream cheese gives the filling its smooth, rich, and slightly tangy flavor. Softening it ensures it blends easily with the other ingredients.
• Powdered sugar – 1 cup
  Adds sweetness and helps the cream cheese layer become light and fluffy.
• Cool Whip – 1 (8 oz) container, divided
  Half goes into the cream cheese layer to make it creamy and airy, and the other half is used on top for a soft, decorative layer.

For the Lemon Pudding Layer:

• Instant lemon pudding – 2 (3.4 oz) packages
  The star of the bars, lemon pudding adds a bright, tangy flavor and a creamy texture that sets nicely on top of the cream cheese layer.
• Milk – 3 ½ cups
  Milk is used to prepare the pudding. It makes the pudding smooth and helps it set properly without being too thick or too runny.

Steps to Make Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

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Making these lemon cream pie bars is easier than it looks. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s creamy, zesty, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, softened butter, and ¾ cup chopped walnuts. Mix until it forms a crumbly, buttery mixture. Press this mixture evenly into a 13×9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Cooling is important so the cream cheese layer doesn’t melt or become too soft when spread on top.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip. Mix until smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Carefully spread this mixture over the cooled walnut crust. To avoid lifting the crust, it’s best to spread the cream cheese little by little using a butter knife. Don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth; it will still taste amazing.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 packages of instant lemon pudding with 3 ½ cups of milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. Pour this pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently with a spatula. The pudding should sit nicely on top without mixing into the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Top with Cool Whip and Walnuts

Finally, spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped walnuts on top for a decorative and crunchy finish. This adds texture and makes the bars visually appealing.

Step 5: Chill the Bars

Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the layers to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares or rectangles. After chilling, your lemon cream pie bars are ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

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These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

As a dessert after meals: Serve chilled squares after lunch or dinner for a refreshing finish.

With beverages: Pair with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a cozy treat.

At gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or family get-togethers—they’re easy to cut into bars and serve.

Garnish ideas: Add extra lemon zest, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of white chocolate to make them look even more appealing.

Individual servings: Use small dessert cups or ramekins for single-serve portions if you want to make them extra special.

These bars are creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once, making them a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve them.

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Can We Make Lemon Cream Pie Bars in Advance?

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Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Prepare the crust and layers in advance: You can bake the walnut crust a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. The cream cheese and pudding layers can also be mixed and refrigerated separately. Assemble everything the day before you plan to serve.
• Chill before serving: Make sure the fully assembled bars chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set. For best results, refrigerate them overnight.
• Transporting to events: If you’re taking them to a party, keep them chilled in a cooler or insulated container to prevent the layers from becoming soft.
• Freezing option: You can freeze the bars after assembling and chilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Making these bars in advance saves time and ensures you have a delicious dessert ready whenever you need it.

Tips and Tricks

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To make your Lemon Cream Pie Bars perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use softened cream cheese and butter: This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps in the cream cheese layer or crust.

Don’t rush spreading the layers: Work gently when spreading the cream cheese and pudding layers to avoid lifting or breaking the crust. A butter knife works better than a spatula for this.

Chill thoroughly: Refrigeration is key for clean-cut bars. At least 2 hours of chilling helps the layers set properly.

Measure ingredients carefully: Accurate measurements, especially for the pudding and milk, ensure the perfect texture.

Add a finishing touch: Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts or lemon zest on top for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Avoid overbaking the crust: The crust should be lightly golden but not too brown to maintain a tender texture.

Following these small tricks guarantees that your bars will be creamy, tangy, and visually appealing.

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Variations of Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars

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You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste or make different flavors:

Chocolate Twist: Substitute lemon pudding with chocolate pudding for a rich, chocolatey version.

Berry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the cream cheese and pudding layers.

Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts and use graham cracker crumbs or crushed pretzels for the crust.

Citrus Combo: Try lime or orange pudding instead of lemon for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

Mini Dessert Cups: Assemble in individual cups for a cute, single-serving option perfect for parties or snacks.

Storage Instructions

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Proper storage is key to keeping your Lemon Cream Pie Bars fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the layers from becoming too soft.
• Freezer: If you want to store them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Cutting tips: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps you make clean slices without smudging the layers.
• Avoid leaving out at room temperature: The cream cheese and pudding layers need to stay cold to keep their texture and flavor intact.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut for the crust?
Yes! Pecans or almonds work well as substitutes for walnuts. You can even use a nut-free crust by using graham cracker crumbs or crushed pretzels.

2. Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese, use dairy-free pudding, and replace butter with vegan butter.

3. Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Absolutely! Sugar-free pudding works fine and reduces the sugar content. Adjust sweetness by adding a little powdered sugar or a sugar substitute if needed.

4. How long do the bars need to chill?
Chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, but overnight chilling gives the best results and makes cutting easier.

5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

6. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

7. Can I swap the lemon pudding for another flavor?
Definitely! Chocolate, vanilla, or other fruit-flavored puddings can be used for variety.

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Conclusion

These Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars are a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors, all in a quick and easy dessert. They’re ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself.

With a crunchy walnut crust, smooth cream cheese layer, and zesty lemon pudding on top, they’re sure to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Also check out another easy dessert No-Bake Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe.

Whether you stick to the classic lemon flavor or try one of the variations, these bars are easy to make, easy to serve, and loved by everyone.

Keep them chilled, slice them neatly, and enjoy a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.