Description
Tangy, sweet, and irresistibly buttery, these lemon bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With a melt-in-your-mouth crust and zesty lemon filling, they strike the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, potluck, or just to satisfy a craving, these bars are quick to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 lemons, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by setting it aside (no need to grease). - Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, softened butter, and ½ cup sugar. Blend until crumbly.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the ungreased baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is firm and golden. - Prepare the Filling:
While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 ½ cups sugar and ¼ cup flour in a medium bowl.
Add eggs and freshly squeezed lemon juice, whisking until smooth. - Combine and Bake:
Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over the top.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The filling should set with a slight jiggle in the center. - Cool and Slice:
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. For clean slices, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting. - Optional Garnish:
Dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the bars when the filling is just set and slightly jiggly to prevent cracking.
- Refrigeration: Chilling before slicing helps achieve clean, neat edges.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American