No-Bake Lemon Bars

These no-bake lemon bars need a few hours to chill, but are quick to assemble. A fluffy texture, buttery shortbread crust, and intense lemon flavor make them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shortbread crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or 1 (8-ounce) carton frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed

Steps

1. Line bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on opposite sides; set aside.
2. Stir together shortbread crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until smooth.
4. If using heavy cream, beat in a separate large bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the lemon mixture until fully combined. If using whipped dessert topping, fold directly into the lemon mixture until fully combined.
5. Spread filling evenly over the crust. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours.
6. Lift chilled dessert from the pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars and garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired.