If you’re on the hunt for a zesty, sweet, and utterly irresistible treat, this Lemon Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. With a tender, buttery crust that perfectly complements the bright, tangy lemon filling, these bars strike an amazing balance between tart and sweet. Every bite delivers a burst of fresh lemon flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate—making it a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Lemon Bars Recipe. From the all-purpose flour that forms a sturdy, crumbly crust to the fresh lemon juice and zest that pack in vibrant flavor, every element contributes to the final magical combination of texture, taste, and color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust with a nice balance of structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust): Sweetens the crust just enough for contrast without overpowering the tangy filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth crust texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Really brings sweetness to the lemon filling, balancing the acidity perfectly.
- 4 large fresh eggs: Bind the filling together and give it that smooth, custard-like consistency.
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons): The star of the show, delivering bright, fresh tartness to excite your taste buds.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Amplifies the lemon flavor with natural oils and aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the filling a bit for a tender texture while helping it set nicely.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your lemon bars come out cleanly and are easy to slice. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, half a cup of granulated sugar, and the softened unsalted butter. Mix these together until the texture becomes crumbly—something like coarse sand—and then firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the buttery, slightly sweet foundation for your luscious lemon topping.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Pop your pan into the oven and let that crust bake for about 15 minutes, just until it turns a lovely light golden shade. This step is crucial because a firm, golden crust gives those bars the perfect balance of crunch and softness. Nothing beats that subtle crunch paired with a creamy lemon topping!
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While your crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, the remaining cup of granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in another bowl until the mixture is silky smooth. This lemon filling holds the key to that vibrant flavor and velvet-like consistency that makes this Lemon Bars Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Carefully pour your lemon mixture over the warm crust right after it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. You want the filling to be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan—this ensures the bars finish with a creamy, luscious texture after cooling.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Once baked, it’s important to let these bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cooling allows the filling to set fully, giving you clean, beautiful squares that aren’t messy to eat. If you want to add that extra touch of elegance, dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving—it’s like a little snowy hint of sweetness.
How to Serve Lemon Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation that’s as delightful as the taste, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices on top. A few fresh mint leaves or a small dollop of whipped cream can also elevate these bars, adding a touch of color and a fresh note that pairs wonderfully with the citrus flavor.
Side Dishes
While lemon bars shine wonderfully on their own, serving them alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee makes for a comforting pairing. If you want a fuller dessert experience, accompany them with fresh berries or lightly sweetened Greek yogurt to boost the freshness and create a perfectly balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these lemon bars to a party or gathering, try cutting them into petite, bite-sized squares or even shaping them with cookie cutters for fun designs. Layering them in a trifle with whipped cream and berries can transform this classic recipe into a show-stopping dessert. You could even drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra zesty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be happy to know that lemon bars store beautifully. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. This helps maintain their freshness and bright flavor without drying out the custard or crust.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or save some for later, they freeze well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheating lemon bars is usually unnecessary, but if you like them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly—just enough to take the chill off without melting the filling. This gives you a soft, comforting texture with that familiar tang that makes the Lemon Bars Recipe so loved.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this Lemon Bars Recipe. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more natural citrus flavor, and the zest adds essential oils that really make the filling pop.
How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
Look for the filling to be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be firm and lightly golden, while the center remains a bit soft but not liquid.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture might be a little different but the flavor will still be amazing.
Why do my lemon bars sometimes come out too runny?
This usually happens if the filling isn’t cooked long enough or if the baking powder isn’t properly mixed in. Make sure to bake until the filling is just set with only a slight jiggle, and whisk ingredients thoroughly before baking.
Can I add other flavors to this Lemon Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add a touch of vanilla extract for sweetness or swap half of the lemon juice for lime juice for a twist. Just remember that lemon is the hero here, so keep any added flavors subtle.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Lemon Bars Recipe enough. It’s a timeless treat that combines ease, freshness, and that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to lemon desserts, these bars are incredibly rewarding to make and even more delightful to share. Give them a try and watch how they quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Creamy Corn Polenta with Baked Eggs and Fresh Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade lemon bars featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy, smooth lemon filling, baked to perfection and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large fresh eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, then press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden around the edges.
- Mix Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt in another bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Filling: Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon filling mixture evenly over the warm crust.
- Bake Lemon Bars: 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.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Let the bars cool fully to ensure clean cuts and the filling to set properly.
- For easier removal, allow the bars to cool before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
