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
Scale
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.
