Classic Lemon Bars

Classic Lemon Bars are a timeless dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, sweet lemon filling. These vibrant and refreshing treats are perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or anytime you crave a bright and zesty dessert. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines a rich, buttery crust with a bright, tangy filling.
• Simple to make with common pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant parties.
• A refreshing alternative to heavier desserts.
• Easily customizable for different levels of sweetness or tanginess.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shortbread Crust

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

For the Lemon Filling

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Lemon zest
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour, whisking until fully combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
6. Cool and Dust: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 16-20 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Meyer Lemon Bars: Substitute Meyer lemons for a sweeter and less tangy flavor.
• Extra Tangy: Add more lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract to intensify the citrus flavor.
• Berry Twist: Swirl in a few tablespoons of raspberry or blueberry puree before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and filling.
• Coconut Crust: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Lemon bars are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Why did my filling crack?

Overbaking can cause the filling to crack. Remove the bars as soon as the center is set.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, lemon bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing also helps.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Can I make these bars sweeter?

Increase the sugar in the filling slightly if you prefer a sweeter dessert.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust baking times as needed.

Do I have to use powdered sugar for dusting?

Powdered sugar adds a classic touch, but you can omit it or use shredded coconut for a different look.

Can I add other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Combine lemon juice with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a unique citrus blend.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor, but you can reduce the lemon juice slightly if it’s too tart for their taste.

Conclusion

Classic Lemon Bars are a bright and zesty dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With their buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, they’re the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Make a batch today and enjoy a timeless dessert that never goes out of style!

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