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Lemon bars on a cooling rack, including one with a bite taken out, with lemons and a blue towel in the background
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Lemon Bars Recipe

These lemon bars have a buttery shortbread crust and a bright, silky lemon filling finished with powdered sugar for the perfect sweet-tart dessert.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Rest Time3 hours
Total Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Servings: 9 bars
Calories: 501kcal
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 cup salted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour divided

For the Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt or ⅛ teaspoon
  • Confectioner’s sugar for garnish

Instructions

For the Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350° degrees.
  • In a stand mixer or in a medium bowl using a hand mixer, mix together butter and sugar until creamed together. Then add in 1 cup of flour, mix, then add in the last cup of flour and mix well. Press into the bottom of a parchment lined 8x8 inch pan.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden then remove to prepare filling.

For the Filling

  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour to combine dry ingredients. Next, whisk in the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until silky and well combined. Pour over the baked crust.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, then check to see if it is no longer liquidy or jiggly. The bars will firm up more as they cool. If needed, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  • Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Then dust with confectioner’s sugar, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

How to Store

  • Fridge: Keep your lemon bars covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you're stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers so they don't stick together.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 738IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg