Description
This easy lemon bar recipe delivers a zesty and delightful treat with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade lemon bars are simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3–4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cold cubed butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. These quick lemon dessert bars are best served chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can sometimes have a bitter aftertaste.
- Don’t overbake the filling. It should be set but still slightly soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- For a cleaner cut, use a plastic knife or run your knife under hot water between slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon bars, easy lemon bars, homemade lemon bars, lemon dessert, quick dessert, baking recipe, lemon recipe, citrus dessert