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Finished Lemon Bars on a Plate

Lemon Bars

A timeless citrus dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy lemon filling. Perfect for any season.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 3-4 lemons
  • Zest of 2 lemons

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Crust:

  • In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
  • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Prepare the Filling:

  • While the crust bakes, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/3 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Bake the Bars:

  • Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
  • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.

Cool and Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and allow the Lemon Bars to cool completely in the dish.
  • Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Chilling the Crust: For an even crisper texture, chill the crust in the baking dish for 15–20 minutes before pre-baking.
  • Adjusting Tartness: Feel free to modify the amount of lemon juice to suit your preferred level of tartness. A little extra zest can enhance the citrus aroma without increasing acidity.
  • Butter Tips: Using cold, cubed unsalted butter ensures a flaky, crumbly texture. Avoid softening the butter too much.
  • Even Baking: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to prevent any soggy spots.
  • Cooling Time: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the dish before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting. This step is crucial for the filling to set properly.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
  • Variations: Experiment by adding a pinch of poppy seeds to the crust for an extra layer of texture or a subtle flavor twist.
Keyword citrus dessert, classic dessert, Lemon Bars, Traditional Mexican Baking