Description
These Easy Lemon Bars are a zesty and tangy delight, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a bright lemon filling, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy these refreshing lemon squares as a quick dessert or a delightful treat any time of day! Ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. This lemon bar recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the Crust into the Pan: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure it’s compact. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Lemon Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Lemon Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.
- Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Notes
- Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
- Don’t overbake the filling; bake until just set.
- Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- For variations, try adding lavender, raspberry jam, or shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon bars, easy lemon bars, lemon bar recipe, lemon squares, quick lemon bars, dessert, baking, citrus dessert, homemade, tangy dessert