Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy and simple to bake, these Lemon Bars make an easy dessert for weeknights or special occasions. The buttery shortbread crust and zesty filling come together in under an hour for a crowd-pleasing treat. If you love citrus desserts, you’ll also enjoy carrot-zucchini bars with lemon frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bars

• Bright, tart lemon flavor balanced with a buttery crust.
• Quick to make and perfect for last-minute dessert plans.
• Easy to slice and great for packing in lunchboxes or picnics.
• Family-friendly texture that kids and adults both enjoy.
• Keeps well for leftovers, so you can make ahead for gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

• Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Filling

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

• Topping

  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions 5

1. Preheat and prepare the pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. Make the crust

In a bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar together. Add the softened butter and mix until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

3. Bake the crust

Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Whisk the filling

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until smooth.

5. Add filling to crust

Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.

6. Bake until set

Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.

7. Cool and dust

Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.

Serving Suggestions Lemon Bars

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and a few fresh raspberries for color.
• Pair with a light spring salad like asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Present on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar for brunch.
• Offer small squares with coffee or tea for an elegant dessert course.

Tips for Success Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor and best texture.
• Don’t overbake the filling; it should be just set and slightly jiggly in the center.
• Chill fully before slicing to get clean edges and neat bars.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Serve with a citrus cocktail like a blueberry lemonade vodka smash for a festive pairing.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Berry swirl: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries to the filling and swirl lightly before baking.
• Gluten-free crust: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in the crust.

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

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