Best Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

Tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust and bright citrus filling are a family-favorite dessert. These sunny, powdered-sugar-dusted treats are a beloved addition to any potluck.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • All-purpose flour 1.5 cups
  • Unsalted butter 0.75 cups
  • Granulated sugar 2 cups
  • Large eggs 4 pieces
  • Fresh lemon juice 0.5 cups
  • Lemon zest 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Powdered sugar 2 tbsp
  • Salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 61%
Protein 3 g 6%
Fat 8 g 33%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, blend 1.5 cups flour, 0.75 cups softened unsalted butter, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, and 0.25 tsp salt until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into the pan for the crust.

  3. 3

    Bake the crust at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, until firm and lightly golden, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

  4. 4

    For the filling, whisk together 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 4 eggs, 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp lemon zest until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.

  5. 5

    Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 22–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and just barely jiggles in the center. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.

  6. 6

    Lift bars out using the parchment overhang. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is fresh lemon juice, which defines the bars' bright citrus flavor and balances the buttery shortbread crust. Fresh lemon juice, combined with lemon zest, gives these lemon bars their distinctive tangy and vibrant character.
Q. What is the most important step for perfect texture in lemon bars?
Baking the crust separately until lightly golden before adding the citrus filling is crucial. This ensures a crisp, non-soggy base. Also, make sure not to overbake the lemon layer; the filling should be set but still delicate, with just a slight jiggle in the center.
Q. How do I avoid overbaking or underbaking the lemon filling?
Keep a close eye during the final bake. The filling should be set at the edges but have a gentle wobble in the middle when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking will create a dry, tough bar, while underbaking will leave the center runny, so check doneness starting at 22 minutes.
Q. How many calories and carbohydrates are there per serving?
Each 60g serving of these lemon bars contains about 210 kcal, with 32g of carbohydrates—representing 61% of its calorie content. This makes it a sweet, energy-rich treat.
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