Classic Lemon Bars Recipe: Buttery, Tangy, and Irresistibly Fresh
There’s something truly special about Classic Lemon Bars—that perfect balance of buttery shortbread crust and bright, tangy lemon filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. These bars are sunshine in dessert form: vibrant, refreshing, and utterly irresistible. Whether served at a summer picnic, afternoon tea, or holiday gathering, lemon bars never fail to steal the spotlight.
In this post, you’ll discover how to make the best lemon bars with a foolproof recipe that guarantees crisp edges, a silky-smooth citrus layer, and that signature dusting of powdered sugar.
🧈 Ingredients for Classic Lemon Bars
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor:
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup (2 sticks) | unsalted butter, softened |
| ½ cup | granulated sugar |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| ¼ teaspoon | salt |
For the Tangy Lemon Filling:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | large eggs |
| 1 ½ cups | granulated sugar |
| ¼ cup | all-purpose flour |
| ⅔ cup | fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons) |
| 1 tablespoon | lemon zest |
| Powdered sugar, for dusting |
🍋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring the surface is smooth and level.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust immediately—this ensures the layers bond perfectly.
- Return to the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours for cleaner slices.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before cutting into squares or rectangles.
🔪 Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars
- **Use Fresh Lemons:** Bottled juice lacks the brightness and depth of freshly squeezed lemons.
- **Don’t Overbake:** The filling should be set but still soft—overbaking makes it rubbery.
- **Cool Completely Before Slicing:** This ensures neat, beautiful edges.
- **Add an Extra Zing:** For a bolder flavor, stir in an extra teaspoon of zest.
- **For a Crisp Base:** Chill the crust dough for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
- Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of tea, iced coffee, or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing treat.
- Add to a dessert platter with cookies, tarts, and bars for an impressive party spread.