Delicious Lemon Bars

Name: Delicious Lemon Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: For the crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¼ cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.; For the filling: 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest.; For garnish: Additional powdered sugar for dusting.

Lisa

Writer & Blogger

Desserts
April 18, 2025

Delicious Lemon Bars: A Zesty, Buttery Treat That Melts in Your Mouth 🍋✨🥮

1. Introduction

Looking for an easy lemon bars recipe that delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet? These delicious lemon bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon filling. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, preparing for a special occasion, or simply craving a citrusy dessert, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. The vibrant lemon flavor combined with the delicate texture makes these bars irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

If you love baking as much as we do, you’ll find plenty of other amazing baking recipes on our site to explore. From classic cookies to decadent cakes, there’s something for every sweet tooth.

2. Ingredients

To make these easy lemon bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¼ cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
For the filling: 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons), and 1 tablespoon lemon zest.
For garnish: Additional powdered sugar for dusting.

For more delightful dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings, be sure to check out our collection!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients for the crust. Measure the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, crumbly texture that will melt in your mouth. Pro tip: If you forgot to take the butter out of the fridge, you can quickly soften it by cutting it into small cubes and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients for the crust of delicious lemon bars on a kitchen counter.

Step 2: Mix the Crust

Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix by hand using a pastry cutter or fork – just be sure to work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt from the heat of your hands. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Looking for more breakfast or brunch ideas? These lemon bars pair perfectly with our selection of breakfast and brunch recipes!

Food processor mixing ingredients for lemon bar crust.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Transfer the crust mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan (you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal). Press it firmly into an even layer using your fingers or the back of a spoon – make sure to get into the corners! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. The crust should be slightly puffed and just beginning to brown around the edges.

Pressed lemon bar crust in a baking pan before baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth and well combined. The lemon zest adds incredible flavor, so don’t skip it! For an extra professional touch, check out this expert lemon bar recipe from Preppy Kitchen for additional tips on perfecting your filling.

Once the crust is ready, pour the filling over the warm crust and return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken – it will firm up as it cools.

Whisking lemon filling ingredients for delicious lemon bars.

4. Cooling and Serving

Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack – this is crucial for clean slices! For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for perfect squares. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

These lemon bars make a wonderful dessert after any of our delicious dinner recipes – the bright citrus flavor is the perfect ending to a hearty meal!

5. Storage Tips

Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar will absorb into the bars over time, so you may want to add a fresh dusting before serving leftovers. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

6. Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations:

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crust for extra depth of flavor
Mix in a dash of turmeric for a vibrant yellow hue without affecting taste
For a tropical twist, substitute lime juice for lemon juice
Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the crust mixture
Top with fresh berries or a berry compote before serving

If you’re looking for more citrus-inspired dishes, our collection of refreshing salad recipes includes several with bright lemon dressings!

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with this easy lemon bars recipe, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Overbaking the crust: This can make it too hard. Remove when just lightly golden.
Underwhisking the filling: Ensure the lemon filling is whisked thoroughly to prevent lumps.
Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key—bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
Cutting too soon: Let the bars cool completely for clean slices.
Skimping on the lemon zest: This is where much of the flavor comes from!

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well for the crust. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking times slightly. The crust may need 5-10 extra minutes.

Why is my filling runny? It may need more baking time or a bit more flour to thicken properly. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I make these ahead? Yes! They actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld.

What’s the best way to zest lemons? Use a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only remove the yellow zest, not the bitter white pith.

For more cooking tips and tricks, visit our About page to learn about our kitchen-tested methods!

9. Conclusion

This easy lemon bars recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. The contrast between the crisp, buttery crust and the smooth, zesty filling is simply irresistible.

These lemon bars are perfect for potlucks, tea parties, or as a special treat after chicken dinners or hearty beef meals. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packaged beautifully.

If you’d like to work with us or feature this recipe, please visit our Work With Me page. Now grab your lemons and get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine! 🌞🍋

Delicious Lemon Bars

Total Time: 50 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Lemon Bars: A Zesty, Buttery Treat That Melts in Your Mouth! These easy lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemon filling, perfect for any occasion. The vibrant lemon flavor combined with the delicate texture makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a citrusy dessert, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¼ cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
For the filling: 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest.
For garnish: Additional powdered sugar for dusting.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Mix crust ingredients (flour, powdered sugar, butter, salt) in a food processor until crumbly.
Press crust mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
Whisk filling ingredients (sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, zest) until smooth.
Pour filling over warm crust and bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, then slice and serve.