Description
Classic, buttery lemon bars with a tender shortbread crust and a bright, tangy lemon filling perfectly balanced between sweet and tart for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
4 large eggs
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
3. Add 2 cups flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. Bake crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
7. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set.
9. Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Notes
For extra tang, add a bit more lemon zest or juice to the filling.
Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days — they taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, tangy lemon squares, classic lemon recipe, easy baking