Refreshing No-Bake Lemon Bars Recipe: Easy & Zesty Delight
When life hands you lemons, make a zesty treat like these Refreshing No-Bake Lemon Bars! A timeless favorite among lemon desserts, these no-bake bars are as simple to make as they are delicious. With a crumbly graham cracker base and a creamy, citrusy filling, they deliver the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours waiting for them to set. In just a couple of hours, you’ll have a refreshing and irresistible dessert ready to share with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a quick treat, these lemon bars are sure to impress!
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Continental |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 12-16 squares/rectangles |
Ingredients
For the Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 cup |
| Butter (Salted) | 1/4 cup (melted) |
| Caster sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon juice | 1/3 cup |
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Agar agar | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh cream (or milk) | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow food color | 1 pinch (optional) |
For Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Icing sugar | As required |
| Fresh mint leaves | As required |
Instructions
For the Base:
- Prepare the Crust: Begin by placing the graham crackers (or Marie biscuits) in a blender. Blend them until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a wide bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the melted butter, caster sugar, and lemon zest to the graham cracker crumbs. Use your fingers to mix everything together, ensuring that the mixture is well-combined.
- Set the Base: Line a rectangular tart pan with parchment paper. Transfer the crumb mixture to the pan, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it in tightly. Place the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the crust to set and firm up.
For the Filling:
- Prepare the Agar Agar Mixture: In a saucepan, add the agar agar powder and 1/2 cup of water. Heat the mixture on medium, stirring continuously until the agar agar dissolves completely and begins to thicken.
- Add Sugar and Corn Flour: Once the agar mixture starts to thicken, add the sugar and continue stirring until it is completely dissolved. In a separate small bowl, mix the corn flour with the lemon juice to form a smooth paste. Make sure there are no lumps. Add this corn flour mixture to the agar mixture, stirring constantly.
- Cook the Filling: Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
- Finish the Filling: Once the mixture has thickened, add the fresh cream (or milk) and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you’d like to add a touch of color, stir in a pinch of yellow food coloring. Remove the pan from heat.
Assembling the Lemon Bars:
- Layer the Filling: Take the graham cracker base out of the fridge and pour the thick, creamy lemon filling over it. Use a clean spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even layer.
- Set the Bars: Allow the lemon bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the pan back into the fridge for 2 to 3 hours or until the filling has set completely and firmed up.
Serving:
- Cut the Bars: Once the bars are fully set, remove them from the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the lemon bars with a light coating of icing sugar. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Lemon Bars
- Crust Texture: Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan to create a solid base that won’t crumble easily. The refrigeration time helps set it perfectly.
- Flavor Variations: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling or a bit of ginger to the crust for a unique twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap the fresh cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
- Storage: Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors meld, making them even better the next day!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~1g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugar | ~15g |
| Sodium | ~50mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.)
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Lemon Bars
These No-Bake Lemon Bars are not only quick and easy to make but also offer a refreshing burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The simple ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or a simple afternoon treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!
The no-bake aspect makes them an ideal choice for warmer months or when you need a dessert that doesn’t require hours in the oven. With just a few hours to set in the fridge, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to serve in no time.
Enjoy these Lemon Bars with a dusting of icing sugar and a fresh mint garnish for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. This refreshing dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Feel free to try this No-Bake Lemon Bars Recipe and share it with your friends and family—they’ll love the tangy, creamy treat that’s so easy to prepare!
