Lemon bars owe their irresistible charm to a handful of simple ingredients that come together like magic. The crust, made with just four humble staples—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt—is the unsung hero of this recipe. It’s buttery and tender, providing the perfect base for the bright, tangy filling.
And let’s talk about that filling. Freshly squeezed lemon juice takes center stage, adding a burst of sunshine to every bite. If you’ve ever zested a lemon, you know the citrus oils release an aroma that can transport you straight to a summer day. The zest not only amplifies the lemon flavor but also adds a hint of sophistication to this classic treat.
Granulated sugar balances the tartness, while eggs create a smooth, custard-like texture that sets beautifully when baked. A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth. Finally, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes these lemon bars not only delectable but also a feast for the eyes.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday get-together, or simply treating yourself, lemon bars are a versatile dessert that fits any event. They’re easy to transport, a cinch to slice into servings, and always stand out on the dessert table.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Bars
Play with Flavors: Add a pinch of lavender or basil for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make all the difference. The flavor is brighter and more aromatic than bottled juice.
Chill Before Slicing: Cooling completely ensures clean, sharp cuts, so you get those picture-perfect squares.
Ways to Serve and Store Lemon bars can be served chilled, room temperature, or slightly warm, depending on your preference. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—wrap them individually for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For Crust:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp Salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4-5 pieces Lemons, Squeezed
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour
- Powder Sugar, For dusting
Instructions
Instructions
- 1
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- 2
Make the Crust**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- 3
Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- 4
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour until smooth. Add the lemon juice and zest, and whisk until well combined.
- 5
Bake the Bars: Pour the filling over the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- 6
Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
Notes
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for the crust to make mixing easier.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for maximum flavor. Bottled juice just won’t do justice!
- To zest lemons, avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing; this will make cutting clean squares easier.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Equipment
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Zester
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition
Nutrition
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Sugar | 18g |
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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