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Lemon Bars

These Lemon Bars combine both lemon juice and zest to really amp up the lemon flavor. Sprinkled with a generous topping of powdered sugar, they hit just the right balance of sweet and tart.

Tray of lemon bars

Soft, gooey, sweet, and tart. These lemon bars have a little bit to offer everyone. The shortbread crust provides a firm and slightly crispy contrast to the soft delicate filling. What’s truly wonderful about this dessert is that you likely already have everything you’ll need to make them.

Close-up image on lemon bars

Step By Step Instructions

Note: Full list of ingredients, their amounts, and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2:

In a bowl, cream together the flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt.

Step 3:

Using your fingers, press the dough into a 9×13 baking dish.

Raw crust pressed out into baking dish

Step 4:

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the edges become lightly browned.

Baked crust

Step 5:

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, and salt.

Stir the beaten eggs into the dry ingredients. Add the the lemon juice and zest.

Step 6:

Pour the filling onto the warm crust.

Raw custard in baking dish

Step 7:

Bake until the center no longer jiggles when given a gentle shake. The top may become slightly browned and the edges may pull away from the pan.

Baked lemon bars in baking dish

Step 8:

Allow the lemon bars to cool on the counter for 1 to 2 hours. Then, chill in the fridge for another 2 hours.

Step 9:

When you’re ready to cut, use a sharp knife and clean it off between slices to keep the edges as smooth as possible. Cut the bars into squares and then into triangles.

Step 10:

Before removing from the pan, sprinkle with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sifter.

Tray of lemon bars

Tips

  • When pressing out the dough for the crust, don’t worry about getting it super smooth. As long as it’s mostly the same thickness all around, it will be fine. In fact, having small indents from your fingertips will give the filling something to grab on to.
  • Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting. It will make the job much easier.
  • Also, keep a damp paper towel to clean the knife off between cuts. That will result in smoother edges.

Storage

Cover the bars with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

For long-term storage, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer.

Other Desserts You’ll Love!

Blueberry Oat and Almond Crisp

Mixed Berry Sheet Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Frosting

Pineapple Cream Pie

Pumpkin and Cocoa Icebox Cake

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Tray of lemon bars

Lemon Bars

Alicia
Combining both lemon juice and zest and a generous topping of powdered sugar, these lemon bars hit the right balance of sweet and tart.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Course Brownies and Bars
Servings 12 bars

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup salted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3 lemons
  • Zest from 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Make The Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, cream together the flour, butter, sugar, and salt.
  • Using your hands, press the dough into the bottom of a 9×13 pan, making it as even as possible.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or just until the edges get lightly browned.

Make The Filling

  • In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
  • Add in the beaten eggs and stir well.
  • Add lemon juice and zest and stir just until combined.
  • Pour filling onto warm crust.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Pull it from the oven when the center no longer jiggles when given a little shake.
  • Cool for 1 to 2 hours on the counter, then move them to the fridge and chill another 2 hours before cutting.
  • Cut and top with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 307mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 572IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
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