Lemon juice and zest are combined with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream in this light, refreshing frozen dessert.
When it comes to cool summer desserts, it doesn’t get much easier than these Frozen Lemon Bars.
My 12 year-old is a huge fan of lemon desserts, and is always requesting “something lemon” when it comes to sweets. To say he loved this would be a huge understatement.
But let’s be honest–everyone loves this dessert. Which means it’s one of those desserts that you don’t have to fuss over, because you really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
These bars are cool and creamy with a hint of tart lemon and they’re perfect for those hot summer days. And who doesn’t love a frozen treat when it’s hot outside?
And since it goes in the freezer, it’s a great dessert for making ahead of time. Plus, these bars are easy to slice and serve, which is a big bonus in my book.
In fact, this luscious lemon dessert is the kind of thing I like to keep in the freezer for unexpected company or potluck invitations.
You’ll want to let this sit at room temperature for a just few minutes before slicing and serving.
Not too long though! Unlike other frozen desserts, this one starts to soften almost immediately, so don’t wait too long! And be sure to return any leftovers to the freezer.
If you’d rather make a smaller version of these lemon bars, you can half the recipe and freeze it in a graham cracker pie crust.
Either way, this no-fail recipe is destined to become a favorite summer dessert. I know it is at my house!
Be sure to save this recipe for Frozen Lemon Bars to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Lemons
Appearance: Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have skin that is smooth, thin and firm. Medium and large lemons, are usually juicier than small lemons.
Lemons that are soft, spongy, or have wrinkled and have bumpy skin will be less juicy.
Storing: You can store lemons at room temperature–preferably out of direct sunlight–for up to one week. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Lemon zest can be frozen in a plastic container or bag to use later. You can even freeze whole lemons to juice later. Just be sure to thaw them a few hours before using them, or microwave them for about 30 seconds.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Frozen Lemon Bars
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sugar
- Butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Lemons
- Whipping cream
Frozen Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth. Set aside.
- With an electric mixer, beat whipping cream and 3 tablespoons sugar until stiff peeks form. Fold lemon juice mixture into whipped cream until smooth.
- Pour over the prepared crust and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. Let stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes before slicing into bars and serving.
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Notes
Nutrition
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Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from The Country Contessa
4 comments
Tessa Berryman
I was so excited when I found this recipe. My mother used to make this for us over 50 years ago and I LOVED it. Never asked her how and I have been wanting to make it! Thanks do much!
Michelle Daugherty
Have made these lemon bars the last two Thanksgivings and for Christmas and Easter for my youngest grandboy who had an egg and nut allergy but loves lemons! I use Meyer lemons and he just goes crazy for these. Have already been asked to make these again next week for Thanksgiving for him as well. Great recipe!
esther
i have made alot of lemony recipies…but this by far is the best.thanks for sharing
john
I have been trying to find this for a while, if signed up for your site, and can still not print, WHY