Description
These classic lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy, sweet lemon filling. Perfect for spring desserts or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- For the crust, cream together butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined and a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing.
- Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, you can increase the crust ingredients by 25%.
- For a less tart flavor, reduce the lemon juice by 1 tablespoon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg