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The Best Lemon Bars

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars (adjusted for extra servings) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy lemon filling for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that’s great for parties, bake sales, or just because you love lemony treats!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Shortbread Crust:

    • In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

    • Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until crumbly.

    • Press evenly into the prepared pan.

    • Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

  3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:

    • While the crust bakes, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

  4. Bake the Lemon Bars:

    • Pour the filling over the hot crust.

    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set and no longer jiggles.

    • Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

  5. Dust & Serve:

    • Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar.

    • Cut into squares and serve cold.


Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t work as well.
  • Pour the filling over the hot crust to ensure it sets properly.
  • Chill before cutting for clean, sharp slices.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Sodium: ~60mg
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~27g
  • Protein: ~2g