Description
These no-bake lemon cream cheese bars are a tangy, creamy, and sweet summer dessert that requires no oven. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, they are the perfect easy treat for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (approx. 24 cookies)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lemon curd
- 1 cup whipped topping (optional, such as Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it down tightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides to ensure no lumps remain.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cream cheese layer.
- Spoon the lemon curd over the set cream cheese layer. If using whipped topping, spread it first and then drizzle the lemon curd on top, swirling with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the bars are firm and sliceable.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.
- Serve chilled. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or top with lemon zest.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not use light cream cheese as it contains more water and may not set properly. The bars must be chilled for at least 4 hours to slice cleanly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free cookies. For vegan options, use vegan cream cheese, butter, and cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-bake dessert, lemon cream cheese bars, easy summer dessert, 5pm dinner savior, no oven dessert, lemon bars, cream cheese dessert