These creamy, tangy lemon bars have a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, luscious lemon filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for dessert tables, afternoon snacks, or summer gatherings, these bars are the ultimate citrusy treat!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfectly Balanced – A buttery crust complements the rich, tangy lemon filling.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
✔️ Make-Ahead Dessert – Stays fresh for days and tastes even better when chilled!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – A favorite for family gatherings, bake sales, and tea parties.
-Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) sugar
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Lemon Filling:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest (for extra flavor)
1/4 tsp salt
For Garnish (Optional):
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Lemon slices or zest (for decoration)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
-Step 2: Make the Crust
1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
2. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
-Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth.
2. Add flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt, whisking until fully combined.
3. Pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled crust.
-Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before transferring to the fridge.
Chill for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
-Step 5: Slice & Serve
Once fully chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper.
Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar.
Garnish with lemon zest or slices for extra freshness.
-Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving Tip: Enjoy cold for the best creamy texture!
-Tips for the Best Lemon Bars
✔️ Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – The center should be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven.
✔️ Cool Before Cutting – Chilling ensures clean, sharp slices.
✔️ Adjust Sweetness – For a sweeter bar, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
-Fun Variations
Orange Lemon Bars – Swap half the lemon juice for orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Coconut Lemon Bars – Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical flavor.
Chocolate Lemon Bars – Drizzle with white or dark chocolate for an elegant touch.
Herbal Infusion – Add 1 tsp finely chopped fresh basil or rosemary for a gourmet flavor.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients for a larger batch.
2. How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Pre-bake for 5 extra minutes until golden brown before adding the filling.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
-Final Thoughts
These creamy lemon bars are bright, tangy, and irresistibly smooth. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or simple treat, they’ll bring a burst of citrusy joy to any occasion!