Timeless Lemon Bars Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that brings sunshine into any gathering. With their sweet and tangy flavor, they are perfect for springtime picnics or summer barbecues. This timeless lemon bars recipe is easy to make, and they are sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite offers a refreshing taste that balances sweetness with a zesty kick, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

How to Make Timeless Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 cup flour
• Powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Grease a 9×9 baking pan, or line it with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
3. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 2/3 cup of flour, powdered sugar, salt, and 2 tsp of lemon zest to form the shortbread crust.
4. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 Tbsp of lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Add in 1/2 cup of flour and mix until smooth.
7. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until set.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Timeless Lemon Bars

Lemon bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Slice them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. They are great on their own but can also be paired with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra treat. Serve them on a colorful plate to add a festive touch to your dessert table.

How to Store Timeless Lemon Bars

Keep your lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Defrost them in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Timeless Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest really make a difference.
• Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing to avoid cooking the eggs in your filling.
• Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean edges.

Variation

Feel free to add a little twist to your lemon bars by incorporating flavors like ginger or lavender into the crust. You can also experiment with different citrus juices, like lime or orange, for a unique take on the classic.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice has a brighter flavor that makes a significant difference in taste.

2. How can I tell when the lemon bars are done?
The bars should be set but still slightly jiggle in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed by checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Timeless Lemon Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make lemon bars that are sweet and tangy, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Make sure the butter is melted but not hot.
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest Freshly grated for best flavor.

For the filling

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest Additional for filling.
• 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed Freshly squeezed is recommended.
• 1/2 cup flour

For serving

• Powdered sugar for dusting, optional Add before serving.

Method

 

Preparation and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Grease a 9x9 baking pan, or line it with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
3. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 2/3 cup of flour, powdered sugar, salt, and 2 tsp of lemon zest to form the shortbread crust.
4. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 Tbsp of lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Add in 1/2 cup of flour and mix until smooth.
7. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until set.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them well wrapped.