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- Key Ingredients for the Crust - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted The graham cracker crumbs give the crust a sweet and crunchy base. The shredded coconut adds a chewy texture, making each bite exciting. The melted butter binds it all together and adds richness. - Essential Ingredients for the Filling - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk - ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons) - Zest of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy texture. Fresh lemon juice brings bright, zesty notes, while the zest enhances the flavor. Vanilla adds a warm touch that balances the tartness. - Optional Garnishes and Their Benefits - Fresh mint leaves for garnish Fresh mint leaves add color and a refreshing taste. They also enhance the presentation, making your bars look even more inviting. A simple touch can elevate your dessert! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing the Crust Ingredients Start by taking a medium bowl. Add 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix it all together until the crumbs are coated well. This mixture will give your bars a nice base. Pressing the Crust into the Baking Dish Next, grab a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Take your crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out. This step is key to making sure the crust holds together. Once done, place the dish in the fridge to chill while you work on the filling. Combining the Lemon Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk, ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice, the zest of 2 lemons, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything blends well for a rich lemon flavor. Whipping the Cream In a separate bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer to whip until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar while whipping. Continue until you see stiff peaks. This fluffy cream makes the filling light and airy. Folding the Mixtures Together Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This keeps your filling light. Mix until you don’t see any white streaks. Pouring and Leveling the Filling Pour the lemon filling over your chilled crust. Spread it evenly across the crust using a spatula. Cover the dish and place it back in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This waiting time helps the bars set nicely. Once set, cut into bars and serve them chilled. Enjoy your delicious, zesty treat! To get the filling just right, use fresh lemon juice. This gives your bars a bright flavor. Make sure to whisk the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice well. Mix until smooth before adding the whipped cream. The whipped cream should be whipped to stiff peaks. This helps keep the bars light and fluffy. When you fold the whipped cream into the lemon mix, be gentle. Use a spatula to fold carefully. This keeps air in the whipped cream. If you mix too hard, the filling will be dense. The goal is to keep that fluffy texture for the best taste. Serve your bars chilled on a nice platter. Cut them into neat squares for a clean look. You can layer them with lemon slices. This adds color and makes them pop. A sprinkle of coconut on top can also add a fun touch. Fresh mint leaves are a great garnish. They add a burst of color and flavor. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice on top. This makes the bars look fancy and fresh. Remember, a little creativity can make your dessert shine! Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your bars a vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. Chill the Crust: Make sure to chill the crust well before adding the filling to ensure it sets properly and holds together. Whip the Cream Properly: Be careful not to over-whip the cream; stop when stiff peaks form to maintain a light and airy texture. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh mint leaves and lemon slices not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing aroma. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your no-bake lemon icebox bars. Here are some fun ideas: - Other Citrus Variations: Lime and orange can replace lemon. Use ¾ cup fresh lime juice or orange juice. The zest will also need to match the juice. This adds a new twist to the bars. - Adding Fruits for Extra Flavor: Consider adding berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can mash them and mix them into the filling. This gives a fresh taste and a pop of color. You can even layer the fruit on top before serving. You can adjust this recipe to meet different diet needs with ease: - Gluten-Free Substitutes: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs instead of regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy these bars without worry. - Vegan Options: To make it vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. For the cream, try coconut cream whipped until fluffy. This keeps the bars creamy and rich while being plant-based. These variations and modifications let you enjoy these bars in many ways. Experimenting with flavors and dietary needs makes cooking even more fun! To keep your no-bake lemon icebox bars fresh, use proper storage. First, place the bars in an airtight container. This helps keep them from drying out. It also protects them from strong smells in the fridge. For best refrigeration practices, store the bars in the fridge. They need to stay cold to maintain their texture. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into pieces first. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. How long do the bars last? When stored properly, they last about a week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for three months. Look for signs of spoilage before you eat them. If the bars get a strange smell or change color, it’s time to toss them. You should also check for ice crystals in the freezer. If you see them, the bars may not taste fresh anymore. Always trust your senses to decide if the bars are still good. Can I use store-bought crust? Yes, you can use store-bought crust for these bars. It saves time and effort. Look for a graham cracker crust or a similar flavor. Just make sure it fits your pan size. This option still gives you a tasty treat! How can I adjust the sweetness level? To adjust the sweetness, you can use less sweetened condensed milk. You can also add more lemon juice for a tangier taste. If you want it sweeter, try adding extra powdered sugar to the whipped cream. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. What to do if the filling doesn’t set? If your filling doesn’t set, it might need more chilling time. Refrigerate it for longer, up to 6 hours. You can also check if you mixed the ingredients well. Make sure everything blended smoothly without lumps. If it still doesn’t work, consider using gelatin next time. How to fix a broken whipped cream mixture? If your whipped cream mixture breaks, you can fix it by adding a bit of cold heavy cream. Whip it gently into the broken mixture until it comes back together. Be careful not to over-mix. This will help restore the light, fluffy texture you want. This blog post covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making delicious no-bake lemon icebox bars. We shared tips to help you succeed and ideas for presentation. You now know how to customize flavors and adjust for dietary needs. Proper storage tips and answers to common questions will keep your bars fresh and tasty. Remember, with these simple steps, you can create a delightful treat any time. Enjoy making this refreshing dessert and share it with friends!

Zesty No-Bake Lemon Icebox Bars

A refreshing dessert made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy lemon filling, perfect for warm days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.75 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 2 zest lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • optional fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
  • Pour the lemon filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  • Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled.

Notes

Serve the bars on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and thin lemon slices for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Keyword bars, dessert, lemon, no-bake