Few desserts strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy quite like lemon bars. With their buttery shortbread crust and zesty lemon topping, these irresistible treats are easy to make and perfect for everything from afternoon tea to summer picnics. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something citrusy, this recipe has you covered.
Why We Love Lemon Bars
Lemon bars not only taste fresh and delicious, but their vibrant yellow hue also adds a pop of color to any dessert table. The combination of textures—the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth crust and the creamy, tangy filling—is simply divine. Plus, they’re easy to make with pantry staples, making them an ideal last-minute dessert option.
Follow this foolproof recipe to whip up this classic treat with little fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang slightly. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches all corners and is flat and compact.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
Step 4: Bake the Lemon Bars
Bake the assembled lemon bars for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The surface should look smooth, without cracks or bubbles.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, you can refrigerate them for 1–2 hours to firm up the filling further, making them easier to cut. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and place them on a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t give you the same bright, fresh tang.
- Make Ahead: Lemon bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Neat Slices: To get clean edges when cutting, wipe your knife with a wet paper towel between slices.
- Add a Twist: Sprinkle desiccated coconut, a pinch of lavender, or additional zest on top for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
Lemon bars are a timeless dessert that’s both simple to make and guaranteed to impress. With their bright flavor and luscious texture, they’re the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. The next time you need a standout dessert, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet-tart magic of lemon bars! 🍋
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