Description
Lemon Bars are a perfect balance of tart, citrusy flavor and sweet, buttery richness. With a shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, these bars are a refreshing treat that’s both satisfying and light. The smooth, creamy lemon topping is the ideal contrast to the crisp, crumbly base, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether for a summer gathering, a special occasion, or just a little indulgence, these lemon bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the lemon filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: The unsalted butter creates a rich, tender crust that is the perfect foundation for the tart lemon filling.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest gives the bars a fragrant, zesty flavor, while the lemon juice brings the tangy punch.
- Eggs: The eggs help to bind the filling and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in both the crust and as a topping, powdered sugar adds sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together (you can use a pastry cutter or your hands).
- Press into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Pour the Filling: Pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to help set the filling.
Serve the Lemon Bars:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the bars are fully chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Cut into Bars: Slice the lemon bars into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g