Print

Lemon Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These lemon bars pair a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a vibrant, tangy lemon filling—perfectly balancing sweet and tart in every bite.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 cups all‑purpose flour, divided (2½ cups for crust, ½ cup for filling)

2/3 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

½ teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons lemon zest (about 3 lemons)

3 cups granulated sugar

8 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×13‑inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix 2½ cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until combined.
  3. Press crust evenly into pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Meanwhile, pulse granulated sugar and lemon zest until fragrant (or mix well by hand).
  5. In a large bowl, stir together lemon-sugar mixture with remaining ½ cup flour, lemon juice, and eggs until smooth.
  6. Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 25 minutes, rotating halfway, until center is just set.
  7. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours.
  8. Dust top with powdered sugar and cut into 15 bars using a sharp damp knife.

Notes

  • Swap in orange zest and juice for a citrus variation.
  • Add vanilla extract to the crust for extra depth.
  • Top with berries or whipped cream for serving flair.
  • Use a graham cracker crust instead of shortbread for a different texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lemon-bars/