Lemon Bars Recipe

If you love lemony desserts, these lemon bars are the perfect recipe for you! Made with a rich shortbread crust and a vibrant, tangy lemon filling, each bite is packed with flavor. Enjoy these bars chilled for a refreshing and delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Bars Recipe

• Bright, tangy flavor: The intense lemon flavor in these bars makes them a perfect treat for citrus lovers. Each bite delivers a refreshing, zesty taste that’s not overly sweet.
• Buttery shortbread crust: The soft, crumbly shortbread base adds a rich, buttery contrast to the tart lemon filling, making the texture combination irresistible.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these lemon bars are a no-fuss dessert that comes together quickly. Perfect for last-minute treats or when you’re short on time!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, picnic, or holiday party, lemon bars are always a crowd favorite. Their light and refreshing flavor makes them a year-round hit.
• Great make-ahead dessert: These lemon bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient option for busy schedules or planned events.

These lemon bars have intense lemon flavor and are perfect for lemon dessert lovers!

Ingredients:

For The Crust

• 1 cup flour: Forms the base of both the crust and the filling, providing structure and texture.
• 1 stick butter, softened: Softened butter creates the rich, buttery crust that holds the lemon filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Used in the crust for a smooth sweetness that contrasts with the tart filling.

For The Filling

• 5 eggs: Eggs give the filling its creamy texture and help it set as it bakes.
• 1 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling and balances out the tartness of the lemon juice.
• 3/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the bright, tangy flavor that defines these bars.
• 1/2 cup flour: Forms the base of both the crust and the filling, providing structure and texture.
• 3/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the filling rise slightly and ensures the bars are light and tender.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Lemon Bars Recipe

• Food processor – To easily combine the ingredients for the buttery crust.
• 8-inch square baking dish – The perfect size for making even layers of crust and filling.
• Parchment paper – Ensures easy removal of the lemon bars from the dish without sticking.
• Mixing bowl – For whisking together the lemon filling ingredients.
• Whisk – Helps create a smooth and creamy lemon filling.
• Spatula – For spreading the crust evenly in the baking dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients for both the crust and filling.

Directions on how to make lemon bars:

Make The Crust

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Line the 8″ square baking dish with th parchment paper.

In the food processor, combine flour, butter and powdered sugar.   Put all the mixture in the baking dish, and spread evenly and press into the bottom of the dish to form a crust.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.

Make The Filling

Combine eggs and sugar, then mix in the lemon juice.  Add flour and baking powder and stir until combined.

Pour the filling on top of the crust.  Bake for 25 minutes.

Let it cool down, then refrigerate until cold.  Remove from the refrigerator, cut into bars and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the lemon bars chilled for a refreshing treat, especially during warm weather.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a simple but elegant presentation.
• Pair these lemon bars with a cup of tea with lemon or turkish coffee for an afternoon snack.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries to complement the tartness of the lemon bars.
• These bars also make a great addition to dessert platters for parties or gatherings.

Tips For Success

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe to ensure your bars have that bright, zesty taste.
• Softened butter for the crust: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it into the crust. This will make it easier to blend and create a more tender, buttery base.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the lemon bars as they bake. You want the filling to be set, but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking can cause the bars to lose their smooth, creamy texture.
• Chill before slicing: Let the lemon bars cool completely before placing them in the fridge to chill. This step is crucial for getting clean, neat slices and helping the filling set properly.
• Parchment paper for easy removal: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper not only prevents the bars from sticking but also makes it easy to lift them out of the pan for cutting. This results in perfect squares without any mess.
• Powdered sugar dusting: For the best presentation, dust the bars with powdered sugar right before serving. If you dust them too far in advance, the sugar may dissolve into the bars and lose its pretty finish.

Variations And Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: To make these bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. This will give you the same texture while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
• Lemon-Lime Bars: For a twist on the classic lemon flavor, replace half of the lemon juice with freshly squeezed lime juice. This adds an extra layer of citrusy tang and a unique flavor profile to your bars.
• Coconut Crust: If you love coconut, try adding ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the crust mixture. It will give the bars a tropical flavor and a slightly chewy texture, pairing beautifully with the tangy lemon filling.
• Extra Zesty Bars: For a more intense lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling. The zest will enhance the lemony brightness and create an even more vibrant taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can easily make these bars dairy-free by using plant-based butter in the crust. Opt for a vegan butter alternative that has a similar texture and fat content to regular butter to keep the crust rich and flaky.
• Mixed Citrus Bars: Experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or Meyer lemons. You can mix different juices together or substitute another citrus juice for a portion of the lemon juice to create your own signature flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing: Once the lemon bars have cooled completely, cover them with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to layer parchment paper between stacked bars to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: Lemon bars freeze well! To freeze, place the cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can leave them out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may affect the texture of the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?

Yes, lemon bars can be made ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great option for prepping in advance. Just be sure to cover them well to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze lemon bars?

Absolutely! Lemon bars freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. To freeze, first allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to serve.

Can I substitute bottled lemon juice?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the bars a much brighter, more vibrant taste than bottled juice.

How do I keep the lemon filling from being runny?

To avoid runny filling, make sure to follow the recipe’s ratios of eggs, sugar, and flour carefully. Also, let the bars cool completely and refrigerate them before cutting. This allows the filling to set properly.

Why did my crust crumble apart?

If your crust is too crumbly, it may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan before baking. Make sure to press the crust down evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula. You also want to avoid over-baking the crust, which can make it too dry and crumbly.

Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit. You can either substitute the lemon juice entirely or mix it with another citrus juice for a fun flavor twist.

Why should I refrigerate the lemon bars before serving?

Refrigerating the lemon bars helps the filling to set and firm up, making them easier to cut into neat squares. It also enhances the flavor, making the bars taste refreshing and delicious.

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