If you’ve ever craved a citrusy treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, the Best Lemon Bars Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. These sunshine-hued bars feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust topped with a luscious, tart lemon filling and a flurry of powdered sugar. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a potluck, or just a night in, these lemon bars always steal the show—they’re everything you want from a classic lemon dessert, with a bit of extra zing and homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Best Lemon Bars Recipe can likely be found in your kitchen right now! Each simple, familiar ingredient plays a key role—melding together to create the vibrant taste, creamy texture, and cheerful color that make these bars irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the backbone of the crust, adding richness and that perfect, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup for crust + 1½ cups for filling): Sweetens both the crust and the lemony filling, with just enough granules to craft a satisfying texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups for crust + ¼ cup for filling): Helps achieve a delicate, sturdy base and thickens the filling to just the right consistency.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch brings out the flavor in both the crust and the citrus, keeping the bars from being flat or too sweet.
- Large eggs (4): These provide the creamy structure in the filling, making each bar custardy and smooth.
- Lemon zest (¼ cup, freshly grated): Intensifies the citrus aroma and gives every bite a bright pop of flavor.
- Lemon juice (½ cup, freshly squeezed): Fresh juice is key here for maximum tang—skip the bottled stuff for the best results.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a touch of sweetness on top and turns each bar into a picture-perfect treat.
How to Make Best Lemon Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides, so your lemon bars will be easy to lift out later. This simple trick is a game-changer for clean slicing and serving—trust me on this!
Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add 2 cups of flour and the salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into your prepared pan, covering every corner. The crust sets the foundation, so press gently but firmly for consistent thickness.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden at the edges. You want it to hold its shape, but not become hard—just pale gold and tender. Once done, keep the oven on for the next step.
Step 4: Whisk the Tangy Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, grab a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, 1½ cups granulated sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and that remaining ¼ cup of flour. You want a smooth, glossy mixture here—no lumps—so whisk with enthusiasm! The flour keeps the filling just thick enough to hold together in neat squares.
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Bars
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, give the lemon mixture a quick whisk, then pour it directly over the hot crust. Immediately return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center when lightly shaken. This is the critical time to keep an eye on them; over-baking can take away that lovely, custardy texture.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this helps the filling set perfectly. Then, transfer the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the bars out of the pan (thanks to that parchment overhang), dust generously with powdered sugar, and slice into squares. This final touch takes the Best Lemon Bars Recipe from delightful to absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Best Lemon Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A generous cloud of powdered sugar is a must for that classic look and just a touch more sweetness. For a fresh twist, add thin lemon slices, curls of lemon zest, or even a sprig of mint. These little extras make every presentation pop and accentuate the vibrant flavor of each bar.
Side Dishes
Lemon bars shine on their own but also pair beautifully with mixed berries, a bowl of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving a dessert platter, nestle them alongside other citrus treats or buttery cookies to bring out their signature zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into different shapes—try triangles or petite diamonds for a festive touch. Layer squares in cupcake wrappers for party-perfect portions or arrange them in a circle with lemon zest scattered on top for a dramatic centerpiece. Whether it’s a picnic basket or a potluck tray, the Best Lemon Bars Recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lemon bars are actually even better the next day! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, and are easiest to slice and serve when chilled.
Freezing
You can freeze your lemon bars for longer storage—simply wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep remarkably well for up to three months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you prefer yours a little warmer, let them sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes after taking them out of the fridge—the bold flavors will really shine.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice for the Best Lemon Bars Recipe?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference! Bottled juice just can’t deliver that bright, citrusy punch that gives these bars their addictive flavor. Whenever possible, stick with fresh lemons for the best results.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing, and use a long, sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. The parchment paper overhang also allows you to lift the whole slab out of the pan before cutting, so every slice looks bakery-perfect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and you’ll still get a tender crust and luscious filling that stacks up to the classic version.
Why did my lemon filling turn out runny?
This usually happens if the bars are underbaked or if the measurements are off (especially too much lemon juice or not enough flour). Make sure to bake until the filling looks set in the center and follow measurements closely for the Best Lemon Bars Recipe every time.
Can I add extra lemon zest for more flavor?
Yes! In fact, adding an extra tablespoon of lemon zest is a terrific way to ramp up the citrus intensity and make the flavor even more unforgettable. Adjust to your own taste and don’t be afraid to get zesty with it.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much joy in sharing a bright, homemade dessert that transports you right to a sunlit kitchen—so don’t wait to try this Best Lemon Bars Recipe for yourself. Whether for a party or a quiet treat with coffee, these bars are guaranteed to impress, delight, and disappear in no time. Happy baking!
Print
Best Lemon Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tangy sweetness of these Best Lemon Bars, a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. A buttery crust supports a luscious lemon filling, all dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup freshly grated lemon zest
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Make the Crust: Cream together the softened butter and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups of flour and salt, mix until a soft dough forms. Press into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Whisk together eggs, 1½ cups sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and ¼ cup flour until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra tang, add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest.
- Bars are easiest to cut when well chilled.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
