Name: Lemon Bars for Easter Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Filling:; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Lemon Bars for Easter Dinner: A Zesty and Refreshing Springtime Treat 🍋🐣🍰

1. Introduction

Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food! What better way to gather with family and friends than over a table laden with treats? This lemon bars recipe is an ideal choice for your Easter dessert, promising a burst of sunshine with every bite. These Easter lemon bars offer a delightful tangy and sweet flavor profile, perfectly complementing the richer fare often found at a festive Easter meal. When you’re looking for a standout lemon dessert recipe, this one is easy to make and consistently earns rave reviews. Their bright, citrusy character makes them a particularly appealing, light and refreshing treat after a hearty dinner. And if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, you might enjoy this no-bake eclair cake!

Delicious Easter Lemon Bars with powdered sugar and lemon garnish.

Maybe you’re a seasoned baker or perhaps you’re just venturing into the world of homemade desserts? Either way, this homemade lemon bars recipe is straightforward and incredibly satisfying to create. Ditch the complicated desserts this Easter and opt instead for these zesty lemon bars. Trust me, everyone will love them! If you’re searching for other easy recipes, check out our about page!

2. Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delectable lemon bars:

For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes. Using cold butter is key for that perfect, flaky crust!
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always best!)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest. This is where the magic happens! Don’t skimp on the zest.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (a generous dusting, of course!)

3. Equipment Required

Before you start, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper (for easy release and cleanup)
Mixing bowls (various sizes will come in handy)
Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting the butter into the flour)
Whisk (for a smooth lemon filling)
Measuring cups and spoons

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for perfect lemon bars every time.

Crust Preparation

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes removing the finished bars a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Now, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust will be! For more baking ideas, check out our baking category!

Combining flour and butter with a pastry cutter for Lemon Bars.

Making the Filling

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps in your filling. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the filling is smooth and well combined. The zest is what gives these bars that intense lemon flavor we all love. For another easy dessert, you might like our desserts category.

Preparing lemon juice and sugar for the lemon bar filling.

Baking the Crust

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a shortbread crust. You want it nice and compact. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Shortbread crust for Easter Lemon Bars pressed into a parchment-lined pan.

Baking the Lemon Bars

Carefully pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm, baked 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 is crucial – you want it set, but not overbaked. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. This helps them set up perfectly. If you’re looking for a complete Easter meal plan, we also have ideas for breakfast/brunch and dinner!

Pouring lemon filling over the baked shortbread crust for Lemon Bars.

5. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Bars

Here are some secrets to lemon bar perfection:

Use cold butter for a flaky crust. Seriously, this is non-negotiable.
Don’t overbake the filling; it should be slightly wobbly when you take it out of the oven. It will set as it cools.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices. Patience is key!
Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving. It makes them look extra fancy (and delicious!).
For a more intense lemon flavor, add the zest of two lemons to the filling.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations:

Add a layer of raspberry jam between the crust and filling for a fruity twist. The combination of lemon and raspberry is divine!
Mix in a handful of fresh blueberries to the filling for added flavor and texture. This is especially good in the springtime.
Top the bars with a meringue layer before the final bake for a different presentation. This adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
Infuse the sugar with lavender for a floral hint. Be careful not to overdo it, though!
Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this lemon dessert recipe. Everyone can enjoy these!

7. Serving Suggestions

These Easter lemon bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serve them with a side of fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance and a pop of color. They’re an excellent addition to any Easter brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert buffet! You can even try them with some of our other recipes, like creamy shrimp tortellini alfredo casserole or garlic parmesan roasted shrimp for a delicious contrast! The bright, citrusy flavor of this lemon bars recipe makes them a perfect and refreshing treat to enjoy during the spring season. Get more inspiration at Sally’s Baking Addiction for similar recipes!

8. Storage Instructions

Store leftover homemade lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To prevent them from sticking together, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers. You can also freeze lemon bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Nobody will know they were frozen!

9. Conclusion

This lemon bars recipe offers a simple and delightful way to add a touch of springtime zest to your Easter celebration. Whether you refer to them as Easter lemon bars, or simply a delicious lemon dessert recipe, these are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in this refreshing and satisfying treat! Enjoy the process of making these homemade lemon bars, and savor every single bite this Easter! Don’t forget to explore our chicken recipes or beef recipes for more culinary inspiration!