Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. This is a crucial step for the perfect fast lemon bar recipe.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for the best texture in your easy lemon bars recipe.
- Bake the Lemon Bars: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the 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 simple lemon squares cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice can lack the necessary tang.
- Don’t overbake the crust, or it will become too hard.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent a messy filling.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.
- Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg