Description
Easy Lemon Bars with a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, perfect for gatherings or a simple family dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy. Add 2 cups flour and salt, mix until crumbly.
- Press crust mixture into bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- Whisk eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. Gradually add 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest; mix well.
- Pour lemon filling over warm crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until filling is set and edges slightly golden.
- Cool completely on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Do not overbake; filling should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Strain lemon juice to remove pulp for smoother filling.
- Allow bars to cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.
- Optional: add a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam on crust for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220-260 kcal
- Sugar: 20-25 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 12-14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7-8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4-5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28-32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: easy lemon bars, lemon dessert bars, classic lemon bars, lemon shortbread bars, simple lemon bars recipe