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Lemon Bars Recipe

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 lemon bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lemon Bars are a sweet and tangy dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a silky lemon filling made with fresh lemon juice and zest. Easy to make and full of bright citrus flavor, they’re perfect for any season—from sunny picnics to holiday baking.


Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • For the filling:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • For topping:
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

  4. Bake crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.

  5. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and flour together until smooth.

  6. Pour the filling over the warm crust. Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is just set.

  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  8. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.


Notes

  • For a floral flavor, try Meyer lemons.

  • Add ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract for a flavor twist.

  • For a firmer texture, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling.

  • For gluten-free bars, use almond flour for the crust and a GF flour blend in the filling.

  • Chill well for clean, neat slices—wipe the knife between cuts.