Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

Classic Lemon Bars

Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. They feature a buttery crust topped with a creamy lemon filling that is both refreshing and satisfying. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy a sweet snack at home.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe for Classic Lemon Bars is simple and quick, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. The ingredients are easy to find and the steps are straightforward. Plus, the result is a delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these lemon bars are sure to hit the spot.

How to Make Classic Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (8 tablespoons or about 4 lemons)
• Zest of one lemon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9×13 baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cut in the 1 cup of butter to make a crumbly mixture.
4. Press the mixture into the buttered pan. Make sure to flour your hands well while pressing, as the mixture can be quite sticky.
5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until it is light golden brown.
6. While the crust is baking, make the filling by combining the 4 eggs, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, ½ cup of lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon in a bowl.
7. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over it.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
10. Cut into bars or squares and dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

How to Serve Classic Lemon Bars

Classic Lemon Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can dust them with extra confectioner’s sugar for a lovely presentation. These bars make a great dessert at gatherings, picnics, or simply as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

How to Store Classic Lemon Bars

To store Classic Lemon Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Classic Lemon Bars

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• If your filling bubbles while baking, it is perfectly normal. It will settle as it cools.
• Dust with confectioner’s sugar just before serving for a beautiful look.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can try adding fresh berries to the filling for a fruity twist. Raspberries or blueberries work especially well with the lemon.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice gives the best taste and flavor.

2. How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. A slight jiggle in the center is fine as it will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Classic Lemon Bars

Classic Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness with a buttery crust and creamy lemon filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup butter (room temperature) Make sure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

For the Lemon Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice About 4 lemons.
• zest of one lemon Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.

Method

 

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 baking pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cut in the 1 cup of butter to make a crumbly mixture.
4. Press the mixture into the buttered pan, flouring your hands well to avoid stickiness.
5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until light golden brown.

Making the Filling

1. While the crust is baking, combine the 4 eggs, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, ½ cup of lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon in a bowl to make the filling.

Baking the Bars

1. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over it.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. Cut into bars or squares and dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Notes

Classic Lemon Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Dust with extra confectioner’s sugar for a lovely presentation.