Name: Traditional Lemon Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 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; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons); 2 tablespoons lemon zest; Powdered sugar for dusting

Traditional Lemon Bars: Zesty, Tangy, and Irresistibly Good 🍋🍰🌟

1. Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of tart and sweet, and few desserts capture this balance as perfectly as traditional lemon bars. This traditional lemon bars recipe brings together a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust with a smooth, tangy lemon filling that will brighten up any day. If you’re more of a breakfast person, check out some ideas on breakfast and brunch. Whether you’re looking for an easy lemon bars recipe to impress your friends or a comforting homemade treat, this guide will help you create the perfect batch of lemon bars. These zesty treats are ideal for picnics, parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a tray of sunshine-filled traditional lemon bars in no time! If you want to know about us and our story, just click here.

Delicious traditional lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, ready to eat.

2. What Makes This Recipe Special?

This traditional lemon bars recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the quality of ingredients used. The shortbread crust is made with just a few ingredients, creating a tender base that perfectly complements the tangy lemon filling. The filling itself is a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice and zest, which provides an intense citrus flavor. For those who love a quick and easy dessert, you might enjoy our No-Bake Eclair Cake! By using this homemade lemon bars approach, you avoid any artificial flavors, ensuring a truly authentic and delicious taste. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The result is a classic dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, but made with love in your own kitchen. Find more amazing desserts here!

3. Essential 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
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Powdered sugar for dusting

4. Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Lemon zester
Lemon juicer

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect shortbread texture. Ensure your butter is cold for the best results.

Preparing the crust for traditional lemon bars with flour and butter.

Step 2: Press and Bake the Crust

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking pan. You can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. A slightly cooled crust is essential before adding the lemon filling to prevent it from seeping through. The golden-brown color indicates that the crust is perfectly baked and ready for the next layer. Did you know that i have some shrimp recipes? check out this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp!

Pressing shortbread crust into a baking pan for lemon bars.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The key to a perfect lemon filling is to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Fresh lemon zest adds a vibrant aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile. Do you like pasta? Take a look at this Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole!

Whisking lemon zest, juice, sugar, and eggs for lemon bar filling.

Step 4: 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 but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. The slight jiggle in the center ensures a moist and tender filling. Patience is key in this step; cooling the bars completely prevents them from crumbling when cut. You can find more recipes in the homepage.

Pouring lemon filling over the shortbread crust of traditional lemon bars.

6. Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in the flavor. Avoid using bottled juice for the best homemade lemon bars.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a tough or cracked filling. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool Completely: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting. This will help the filling set properly and make for cleaner cuts.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the bars look even more appealing.

7. Variations and Add-Ins

Berry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) over the crust before pouring the lemon filling.
Coconut Lemon Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the crust or sprinkle it on top of the filling before baking.
Lavender Lemon Bars: Infuse the sugar with dried lavender for a floral twist on the classic recipe. Need more ideas? Check this incredible recipe!

8. Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve your traditional lemon bars chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect as a dessert for parties, picnics, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. To store, keep the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly. If you have questions about collaborations, take a look at work with me

9. Conclusion

This traditional lemon bars recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the bright and zesty flavors of lemon. With a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy filling, these homemade lemon bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch and enjoy a slice of sunshine anytime. This easy-to-follow recipe for traditional lemon bars is sure to please everyone around! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy lemon bars recipe will become a go-to favorite. Find even more baking ideas here. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of these delectable treats!