These freezable lemon bars are an easy make-ahead dessert with a tangy bite. Perfect for quick desserts anytime!
About this Recipe
This recipe became a family staple over 15 years ago, when I returned to my 9-to-5 job after having my first child. I was looking for simple, make-ahead meals I could pull from the fridge or freezer after a long day. Exhausted and eager to spend time with my son instead of being stuck in the kitchen, I started dedicating a day to prepping meals and treats in advance—this was (and still is) one of our favorites!
Why Should You Make Lemon Bars
You should make these freezable lemon bars because they’re quick to prepare, packed with fresh lemon flavor, and store perfectly for when you need a ready-to-go treat. If you often have unexpected company and are usually frantically trying to put together a last minute dessert to serve your guests, this will slow your heart rate because it will be waiting for you in the freezer!
Ingredients
These lemon bars use simple, classic ingredients: a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich lemon filling made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice, and a light whipped cream topping. Together, they create a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy in every bite.
How to Make Lemon Bars
To make these lemon bars, start by mixing crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter to form the crust, then press it firmly into a pan. Next, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice, pour the mixture over the crust, and bake until set. Once cooled, spread whipped cream on top.
For freezing, label a large freezer bag with the name, expiration date, and thawing directions. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, place it in the freezer bag, and freeze for up to a month. To thaw, let the bars stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting and serving. If not freezing, they can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Love Lemons? This Recipe's For You!
If you do not like lemon, you will not like these as the lemon is pretty potent. On the other hand, if you are a lemon dessert lover, you need to give this one a try!
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More Lemon Dessert Recipes
Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography
Recipe Card
Freezable Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or 1 ½ packs graham crackers)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 egg yolks
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (juice from 2 lemons)
- 8 oz whipped cream (Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mix the graham crackers, sugar and butter. Press firmly into a 9 x 9 x 2-inch ungreased foil pan. In another small bowl, beat the egg yolks, condensed milk, and lemon juice on low-medium speed for one minute. Pour evenly over the crust and bake for 30 minutes or until set.
- Using two oven mitts, carefully remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, spread the whipped cream over the top.
- Label a large freezer bag with the name, expiration date and thawing directions (below). Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the freezer bag. Freeze up to a month. If not freezing, this can also be kept in the fridge for several days.
Thawing Directions:
- Before serving, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cut into bars.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate only and may vary.
Anonymous says
Lemon bars are my favorite. These are delicious.
Jen @ BeantownBaker.com says
When it says whipped cream, does that mean store bought Cool-Whip? Or homemade whipped cream? Which did you use? I want to make these this weekend but I don't think whipped heavy cream will freeze very well...
Nikki says
I've used both store bought and homemade whipped cream, and both have worked just fine. 🙂
Jen @ BeantownBaker.com says
Great to hear. Thanks!
ash says
oh yum! i know hubby would love this! i'll have to remember this for our next BBQ!
thedabble says
I made these and they were yummy! I love lemon desserts.
ingrid says
Um, yes, we're lovers of all things tart and tangy and yellow. 🙂
~ingrid
joy the baker says
i love this idea! what a simple and stunning recipe.
Memoria says
This looks fantastic and refreshing!! YUM!
JOANN says
These look wonderfully refreshing for hot summer days! Thanks!
Valen says
I'm considering making these this weekend for something special. Thanks for the recipe!
chocolate shavings says
I love the perfect layers on those lemon bars - looks perfect!
cara says
these were amazing! thanks for posting the recipe nikki! 🙂
kara says
hiya : ) i've been a phantom fan for well over a year, maybe two...sorry to not have praised your blog sooner, considering i've used so many of your recipes for my hubby, friends and family! congrats on entering mommyworld, and thanks so much for keeping up with penniesonaplatter. best of luck!