Easy Classic Lemon Bars

why make this recipe

Easy Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. They are bright, refreshing, and make a great dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just an everyday sweet treat, these lemon bars are sure to please. Plus, they are easy to make, which means you can enjoy delicious homemade desserts without spending too much time in the kitchen.

how to make Easy Classic Lemon Bars

Ingredients :

• 1 and 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (32 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice

Directions :

1. To make the crust, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together 1 and 3/4 cups flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
5. For the lemon filling, in another bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until it’s smooth.
6. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and put it back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes.
7. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

how to serve Easy Classic Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are best served chilled. You can dust them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for added sweetness and a pretty touch. They can be cut into squares or rectangles, making them easy to serve at parties or gatherings.

how to store Easy Classic Lemon Bars

Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. You can also wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.

tips to make Easy Classic Lemon Bars

• Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting them to avoid a messy finish.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.

variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding a layer of meringue on top after baking the filling. You can also incorporate different citrus, like lime or orange, for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just be aware it may not taste as fresh.

2. Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes! You can freeze lemon bars. Cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 months in the freezer.

3. How do I know when my lemon bars are done?
The lemon bars are done when the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Easy Classic Lemon Bars

Delightful lemon bars that perfectly balance sweet and tart, making them a refreshing dessert for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1.75 cups 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 0.5 cups 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cups 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Lemon Filling

• 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 0.5 cups 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Method

 

Preparation of the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together 1 and 3/4 cups flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

Preparation of the Lemon Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
2. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and put it back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes.
3. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Best served chilled. Dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.