Name: Best Homemade Lemon Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ½ cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; For the Filling:; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs; ¾ cup fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Best Homemade Lemon Bars: A Zesty and Delightful Treat 🍋🌟🍰

1. Introduction

Are you craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart? Look no further! Our homemade lemon bars recipe is the answer. These classic lemon bars, made from scratch, are guaranteed to brighten your day. This easy lemon bar recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delightful treat every time. The vibrant citrus flavor combined with a buttery shortbread crust makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and utterly delicious. These lemon bars are also a fantastic option for a quick and easy addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Let’s dive into making the best homemade lemon bars you’ve ever tasted!

Delicious lemon bars with powdered sugar, the best homemade recipe.

2. What Makes This Lemon Bars Recipe Special?

This homemade lemon bars recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh lemon juice and zest, ensuring an intense citrus flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Second, the buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect foundation for the tangy filling. Lastly, the recipe is designed to be easy, even for novice bakers. By following these steps, you’ll create lemon bars from scratch that are both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. It’s the ideal combination of simplicity and taste, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. If you’re looking for other simple dessert recipes, you might enjoy this no-bake eclair cake. The key to the best lemon bars lies in the quality of ingredients and the precision of execution. Interested in learning more about us and our passion for recipes ?

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delectable homemade lemon bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. This step is crucial for creating a sturdy and flavorful base for your lemon bars.

Ingredients for homemade lemon bar crust ready to mix.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until light and creamy. Add the fresh lemon juice, flour, and lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for the perfect lemon bar filling. This combination of ingredients gives the lemon bars their signature tangy flavor. A smooth batter is essential for the best texture, so don’t skip the whisking!

Pressing shortbread crust into a baking dish for lemon bars.

Step 3: Bake the Lemon Bars

Once the crust is lightly golden, remove it from the oven. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures the filling is cooked through but remains soft and creamy. The perfect texture is key to delicious homemade lemon bars. For more baking inspiration, check out our baking category!

Lemon juice, eggs, and sugar mixture for homemade lemon bars.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. These easy lemon bars are now ready to be enjoyed! Their refreshing taste makes them perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a reliable recipe with pictures, you can also find a great one here: Preppy Kitchen Lemon Bars.

Pouring lemon filling over shortbread crust for baking lemon bars.

5. Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can’t compare to the bright, zesty taste of fresh lemons.
Don’t overbake the filling; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the filling from being too soft.
For a cleaner cut, use a warm, damp knife.
Store leftover homemade lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your lemon bars from scratch? Here are a few ideas:

Add a layer of raspberry jam between the crust and filling for a fruity twist.
Mix in a handful of fresh blueberries or blackberries into the lemon filling.
Top the bars with a meringue layer before baking for a lemon meringue bar variation.
Infuse the sugar with lemon zest for an even more intense lemon flavor.

7. Serving Suggestions

These classic lemon bars are perfect on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Include them in a dessert platter alongside other sweets and pastries.
Bring them to potlucks, parties, or picnics – they’re always a crowd-pleaser! Consider browsing our desserts category for more ideas for your dessert platter.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your crust is too hard: Make sure you’re not overbaking it. Also, ensure the butter is cold when you mix the crust ingredients.
If your filling is too runny: Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and lemon juice. Also, make sure your oven temperature is correct.
If your lemon bars are too tart: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your liking.

9. Conclusion

There you have it – the best homemade lemon bars recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, these easy lemon bars are ideal for any occasion. Enjoy the process of creating these zesty treats from scratch and savor every delicious bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be easy and yield perfect results every time. Happy baking! If you enjoyed this recipe, you will certainly love our other categories like salads or soups or even main dishes like chicken recipes and beef recipes!