Easy Lemon Bars

Easy Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a delightful dessert that combines a tangy lemon filling with a buttery crust. This recipe for easy lemon bars is simple to follow and results in a bright, refreshing treat that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Making lemon bars at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious dessert, but you also get to customize it to your tastes. This recipe uses fresh lemons for a zesty flavor, and it’s straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, they make for an excellent dessert to share with family and friends!

How to Make Easy Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3-4 lemons)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9”x13” baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick baking spray.
3. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour and ½ cup of powdered sugar.
4. Pour in 1 cup of melted butter and mix until everything is combined.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
6. In another bowl, beat together 4 eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and ½ cup of lemon juice.
7. Sift in ¼ cup of flour and ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and stir until combined.
8. Pour this mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is not jiggly.
9. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Bars

Serve your easy lemon bars chilled or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

How to Store Easy Lemon Bars

To store your lemon bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Tips to Make Easy Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the filling.
• Be careful not to overbake the filling; it should be set but still moist.

Variation

You can try adding a crumb topping or incorporating berries, like blueberries or raspberries, into the lemon filling for a fruity twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

2. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer as a vegan option.

3. How can I tell when the lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the center is no longer jiggly and lightly browned on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Easy Lemon Bars

This easy lemon bars recipe features a tangy lemon filling baked on a buttery crust, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the filling

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3-4 lemons)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9”x13” baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick baking spray.
3. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour and ½ cup of powdered sugar.
4. Pour in 1 cup of melted butter and mix until everything is combined.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Filling

1. In another bowl, beat together 4 eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and ½ cup of lemon juice.
2. Sift in ¼ cup of flour and ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and stir until combined.
3. Pour this mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is not jiggly.
4. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and enjoy!

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. They can be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. For storage, place in an airtight container; they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months.