Description
Tart, sweet, and full of nostalgic flavor, these lemon bars are a breeze to make and deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour)
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (vegan spread optional)
1.5 cups granulated sugar (can use cane or coconut sugar)
4 large eggs (or flax eggs for egg-free)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (Meyer lemons for sweeter flavor)
Zest from 1–2 lemons
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for lemon layer)
Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with parchment.
2. Mix 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into dish and bake 15–17 minutes until golden.
3. While crust bakes, whisk eggs, 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, zest, and 1/4 cup flour until smooth.
4. Pour lemon mix onto hot crust and bake another 20 minutes, until set.
5. Cool completely, then chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and slice with a hot knife for clean edges.
Notes
Use glass or ceramic pans to avoid metallic taste from acidic lemon filling.
Wipe your knife between cuts for clean slices.
Add raspberry swirls, coconut crust, or herb infusions for creative twists.
Bars freeze well and are perfect for advance prep or last-minute guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: lemon bars, citrus dessert, easy lemon recipe, lemon squares