These No-Bake Lemon Pie Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing and irresistible dessert that combines creamy lemon pudding with fluffy whipped topping, all resting on a crunchy homemade graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, this easy, no-bake treat bursts with tangy lemon flavor and a smooth texture that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, it requires no baking, making it an ideal dessert for warmer months or when you’re short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These No-Bake Lemon Pie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with a delightful crunch. The lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser. The homemade graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy lemon layers. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a refreshing dessert, these cheesecake bars are sure to become your go-to recipe. No-Bake Lemon Pie Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter
1¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce packages)
2 cups whole milk, or 2% milk
1 teaspoon lemon zest
8 ounces Cool Whip, divided in half

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the butter in an 8×8 square glass baking dish and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds to melt the butter.
Add the graham cracker crumbs and sugar directly into the baking dish and mix with the melted butter to combine.
Press the graham cracker mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish and place in the freezer to firm up while preparing the pudding.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the contents of the pudding packages, milk, and lemon zest. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens.
Scoop 1 cup of pudding from the mixing bowl and spread it evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
Fold ½ of the container of whipped topping (4 ounces) into the remaining pudding in the mixing bowl. Spread this layer of pudding/whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer in the baking dish.
Gently scoop the remaining whipped topping into the baking dish and spread evenly, being careful not to mix it into the layers below.
Chill the lemon pie in the refrigerator or freezer until set. Top with additional lemon zest and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Lemon Pie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1-2 months. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cold, creamy treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, you can substitute a store-bought graham cracker crust, but making your own crust gives the bars a fresher, homemade taste. If using a store-bought crust, skip the step of making the crust and layer the pudding directly into the prepared dish.

2. Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, you can use sugar-free instant lemon pudding mix to reduce the sugar content in this recipe. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.

3. Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form and use it in place of Cool Whip.

4. How long does it take for the bars to set?

It typically takes about 4 hours in the refrigerator for the bars to fully set. For quicker results, you can chill them in the freezer for about 1 hour, but be sure to let them thaw slightly before serving.

5. Can I add fruit to the top of the bars?

Yes, fresh fruit like berries, sliced strawberries, or kiwi would be a delicious addition to the top of these bars. They add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.

6. Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a larger or smaller pan. If you’re using a 9×13-inch dish, double the recipe. For a smaller dish, such as a 6×6-inch pan, reduce the ingredients by half.

7. Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different pudding flavors such as vanilla, lime, or orange for a unique twist. Just make sure the pudding is instant for the right texture.

8. How can I make the crust sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter crust, you can add more sugar to the graham cracker mixture. You could also try adding a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

9. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight, so feel free to prepare them the day before serving.

10. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use 2% or skim milk if you prefer. The texture of the pudding may be slightly different, but the bars will still be creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Lemon Pie Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing, creamy, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy lemon flavor, fluffy texture, and crunchy graham cracker crust, this treat is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion!