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Easy No Bake Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Two stacked squares of bright yellow no-bake lemon bars, dusted generously with white powdered sugar, resting on a white dish.
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Make these refreshing, creamy no bake lemon bars using a simple graham cracker crust. This quick lemon squares recipe requires no oven time and sets up perfectly in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Chill the crust: Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the filling, about 10 minutes.
  3. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and salt until smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the filling over the chilled crust.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cool, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully firm. This chilling time is key for clean slices.
  7. Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving your simple lemon refrigerator dessert.

Notes

  • For a gluten free no bake lemon crust option, substitute the graham crackers with an equal amount of gluten free graham cracker crumbs or finely ground shortbread cookies.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, reduce the baking time by 3 minutes and increase the chilling time to 6 hours.
  • You can substitute half the lemon juice with lime juice for a slight citrus variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/no-bake-lemon-bars-recipe-easy-graham-cracker-crust/