There’s nothing quite like the tangy-sweet flavor of a lemon bar.
With a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet.
They’re an ideal treat for everything from summer picnics to holiday dessert tables.
What’s even better?
This Easy Lemon Bars recipe simplifies the process so you can have bakery-quality treats straight from your own oven.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make these irresistible lemony delights!
Why We Love This Recipe
Lemon bars are one of those timeless desserts that everyone loves.
They’re refreshing, rich, and wonderfully satisfying, combining the zing of citrus with the comfort of buttery goodness.
This recipe is particularly great because it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
In just a few steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
The contrast between the crisp shortbread base and the creamy, tangy lemon layer is simply unbeatable.
And let’s not forget the powdered sugar dusting on top, which adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe guarantees success.
It’s straightforward, foolproof, and most importantly—absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 16 bars
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly dough.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure to reach all the edges.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the flour and whisk again to ensure there are no lumps.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing until the filling is fully combined and silky.
Step 4: Pour the Filling
Carefully pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust.
Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with lemony goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
The edges should be firm but not overbaked.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature.
For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting.
This step helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the bars are fully cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
This adds a touch of sweetness and a picture-perfect finish.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles.
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Serve immediately and enjoy the tangy-sweet burst of flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bars
Use Fresh Lemons
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference in flavor.
Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.
Don’t Overbake
Keep a close eye on the filling during the second bake.
Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture instead of a silky-smooth filling.
Let Them Chill
Patience is key!
Cooling the bars completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and a firmer texture.
Sift the Powdered Sugar
For an even, delicate dusting, sift the powdered sugar over the bars right before serving.
Use Parchment Paper
Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars a breeze, especially if you plan to serve them on a platter.
Variations to Try
Coconut-Lemon Bars: Add a cup of shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
Berry-Lemon Bars: Swirl a few spoonfuls of raspberry or blueberry puree into the lemon filling before baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the crust and filling.
Extra Tart: For a stronger citrus punch, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.
Lime Bars: Substitute lime juice and zest for a zesty lime variation.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storage
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Lemon bars freeze beautifully!
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly special about a batch of homemade lemon bars.
From the buttery crust to the tangy lemon filling, every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
This recipe is simple enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough for special occasions.
Plus, with its versatility, you can easily customize these bars to suit your taste.
So why not whip up a batch today?
Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of lemons, and your taste buds will thank you.
Happy baking!