Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

If there’s one dessert that screams sunshine and happiness, it’s a classic lemon bar. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and resting atop a tender, buttery crust, these Easy Lemon Bars are guaranteed to delight every palate. Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or just a weekend treat, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between tart and sweet. From the first bite, you’ll be hooked.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is approachable, fail-proof, and designed to deliver consistent, crowd-pleasing results. Let’s dive into the magic of these irresistible lemon bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemon bars aren’t just delicious—they’re a kitchen success story. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your recipe collection:

• Bright, Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and just the right amount of sugar creates a zesty yet balanced filling.
• Buttery Vanilla Crust: A rich, tender crust that perfectly complements the tangy lemon topping.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with minimal fuss—no complicated techniques required.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual tea parties to festive holiday gatherings, lemon bars are versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining; they hold up beautifully when chilled.
• Consistently Delicious: With this foolproof method, every batch comes out perfectly.

Ingredients Breakdown

For accuracy and ease, the ingredients are separated by component. This recipe yields 20–24 lemon bars, depending on how large you cut them.

Crust

• 2 cups + 2 tbsp (276g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 2 1/2 cups (518g) granulated sugar*
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 7 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh lemon juice (4–5 lemons)
• Pinch of salt

*Do not reduce the sugar. It provides both sweetness and moisture, which helps prevent cracking.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make these lemon bars effortlessly, gather the following kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking spray
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven
• Cooling rack
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer for powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly balanced lemon bars.

1. Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13 glass or ceramic pan with baking spray. Line it with parchment paper, letting it extend above the long edges for easy removal after baking. Set aside.

2. Make the Crust

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
• Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
• Crumble the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press it down to form a uniform layer.

3. Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

4. Prepare the Filling

• In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour.
• Add the eggs, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until just combined—avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture.

5. Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center is set but still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken.

6. Cool Completely

Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm and cold. This step ensures clean slicing.

7. Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Dust with powdered sugar, then cut into squares. Store covered; they last 5–6 days in the fridge.

Tips & Variations

Tips

• Don’t skip chilling: Refrigeration helps the filling set and improves cutting.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice can alter the flavor and texture.
• Room temperature eggs: Incorporate more evenly into the filling.

Variations

• Berry Lemon Bars: Swirl in fresh raspberries or blueberries before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use a vegan butter alternative and egg replacer (e.g., flax eggs).
• Extra Zesty: Add lemon zest to the filling for intensified citrus flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These bars offer a perfectly balanced flavor profile:

• Taste: Tart from the lemon juice, sweetened to perfection with granulated sugar.
• Texture: Buttery, tender crust with a creamy, smooth filling.
• Best Pairings: Soft cheeses or simple whipped cream can complement the tang.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (assuming 24 bars):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	239
Protein	3.3 g
Carbohydrates	36.6 g
Sugars	26.1 g
Fat	9.2 g
Saturated Fat	5.7 g
Sodium	100 mg
Cholesterol	74.6 mg
Fiber	0.5 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly. Can be modified for gluten-free or vegan diets as noted above.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Crust Ahead: Bake the crust a day before and store it wrapped at room temperature.
• Filling Prep: Whisk the filling up to 4 hours in advance; keep covered in the fridge.
• Storage: Refrigerate fully cooled bars in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Serve cold or allow to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes for softer texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice may taste slightly bitter or artificial.

2. How do I prevent cracking?
Do not overmix the filling, and make sure not to overbake. Chilling before cutting helps prevent cracks.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping the measurements identical.

4. How long do they last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last 5–6 days.

5. Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes, freeze fully cooled bars in a single layer, wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep	15 minutes
Bake Crust	15–20 minutes
Bake Filling	18–22 minutes
Cooling	20–30 minutes + refrigeration
Total	50 minutes prep + chilling

Serving Suggestions

• Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
• Serve on a simple white platter to let the bars’ color pop.
• Add a sprig of mint for a fresh, vibrant presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Coconut Bars: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top after baking.
2. Chocolate-Lemon Bars: Add a thin chocolate ganache layer over the cooled bars.
3. Mini Lemon Bars: Bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
4. Herbed Lemon Bars: Add a pinch of finely chopped fresh thyme to the filling for an unexpected savory twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lemons

• Selection: Look for firm, bright yellow lemons free of soft spots.
• Storage: Keep at room temperature for a week or refrigerate for up to a month.
• Enhancing Flavor: Zest before juicing for extra aromatic punch.

Butter

• Selection: Unsalted butter gives full control over salt content.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated; use at room temperature or melted as directed.
• Enhancing Flavor: High-quality European-style butter can give the crust a richer flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Press crust evenly: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup for uniform thickness.
• Hot crust is key: Pour the filling over the warm crust for perfect adherence.
• Avoid over-baking: The center should jiggle slightly; residual heat will finish setting.
• Chill fully: Makes slicing cleaner and easier.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Short-term: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
• Long-term Freezing: Wrap individual bars in parchment and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Overnight in fridge; dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	239	Energy-rich dessert
Protein	3.3 g	Moderate protein from eggs
Carbs	36.6 g	Sugary, dessert-friendly
Sugars	26.1 g	Balanced with tartness
Fat	9.2 g	From butter and eggs
Cholesterol	74.6 mg	From eggs
Sodium	100 mg	Low sodium dessert
Fiber	0.5 g	Minimal fiber

Expanded Conclusion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly balanced lemon bar—the sweet tang of lemon, the rich, buttery crust, and the smooth, luscious filling that makes every bite a little moment of joy. These Easy Lemon Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something spectacular.

From weekday treats to special occasions, this recipe promises consistency, ease, and that irresistible fresh-baked aroma. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Once you’ve mastered this classic, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought bars ever again.

Your kitchen is waiting, and so are these delightful, tangy-sweet squares of happiness. Happy baking!

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