Lemon Bars

4.76 stars (29 ratings)

Lemon Bars: a beloved classic treat! Buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. So bright, citrus-y, & happy!

Prep Time20

Cook Time45

Total Time1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy lemon bars, gluten free lemon bars, lemon bar, lemon bar recipe, lemon bar recipes, lemon bars, lemon bars recipe, recipe for lemon bars

Servings: squares

Calories: 198kcal

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold (1 stick)

For the lemon filling

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs, large
1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
⅔ cup lemon juice (juice of 3 lemons)
powdered sugar, for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make the shortbread crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, mist an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray, and line with parchment.
Place the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer, and bake until set (approximately 20 to 25 minutes).

To make the lemon filling

Whisk the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice together in a large bowl.
Pour the filling over the partially-baked crust and bake until the filling is set (approximately 25 to 35 minutes).
Cool completely, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar for garnish.

Video

Notes

How to Store

Room temperature: If you plan on eating your lemon bars within a day or so, there is no need to refrigerate them. Place the bars in an airtight container, stacking them with a parchment or wax paper sheet between each layer.

Refrigerate: If they are out for longer than a day, then it's time to pop them into the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment paper between layers. They will last for up to a week when refrigerated.

Freezer: You can also freeze lemon bars! They should keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

More great citrus-y treats:

Nutrition