Indulge in the irresistible fusion of zesty citrus and rich chocolate with these decadent Chocolate Lemon Cream Bars. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious lemon cream filling, and a silky dark chocolate ganache topping, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Ready in just under an hour (plus chilling time), these bars are the epitome of elegance and simplicity, making them an ideal treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Each bite offers a refreshing citrus burst paired with velvety, bittersweet chocolate, leaving your taste buds craving more. Perfect for lemon lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, these no-fuss bars are a must-try for your dessert repertoire.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, or place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until fully combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a measuring cup for a smooth surface.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
Pour the lemon cream mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the lemon filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Once the lemon bars are fully chilled, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled lemon layer. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish.
Place the pan back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
Once fully set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 12 even bars and serve chilled.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
4619 | ||
---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
Total Fat | 268.0 g | 344% | |
Saturated Fat | 144.1 g | 720% | |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.5 g | ||
Cholesterol | 506 mg | 169% | |
Sodium | 1328 mg | 58% | |
Total Carbohydrate | 526.7 g | 192% | |
Dietary Fiber | 17.8 g | 64% | |
Total Sugars | 427.2 g | ||
Protein | 55.1 g | 110% | |
Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
Calcium | 1358 mg | 104% | |
Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
Potassium | 2885 mg | 61% |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.