Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

Bright, buttery, and perfectly tart these easy lemon bars are your new go-to holiday dessert. They’re simple to make, full of citrus flavor, and look beautiful on any dessert tray. Tested twice best texture after chilling 2 hours before slicing.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total: 50 mins + chill
• Yield: 16 bars
• Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

Filling

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.

Swaps & Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the crust. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment. Bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
2. Mix the lemon filling. Whisk sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the hot crust.
3. Bake and chill. Bake another 20 minutes or until set. Cool completely, then chill 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemons — zest adds deep citrus aroma.
• Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
• For extra tang, add 1 tsp lemon extract.
• Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
• Dust with powdered sugar right before serving to avoid melting.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
• Add as part of a cookie platter for holiday gatherings.
• Pair with iced tea or coffee for a light dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw: Overnight in the fridge.
Food safety: Keep chilled since bars contain eggs.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A1: Yes, but fresh juice gives a brighter flavor.

Q2: Why are my lemon bars runny?
A2: They may be underbaked; bake until the center is just set.

Q3: How do I cut clean squares?
A3: Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 170; Protein: 2g; Carbs: 22g; Fat: 8g

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

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• Author: ARTICLE PINTEREST
• Total Time: 50 minutes + chill
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bright, buttery, and perfectly tart — these easy lemon bars are your go-to sweet citrus holiday treat for 2025. Simple shortbread crust, fresh lemon filling, and a pretty powdered-sugar finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Crust
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• Filling
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. Make the filling: Whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, 2 tbsp flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake 20 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into 16 bars.

Notes

Tested twice; best texture after chilling 2 hours before slicing. For dairy-free, use vegan butter in the crust. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Store in the fridge up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: easy lemon bars recipe, lemon bars, citrus dessert, holiday treats, buttery crust, lemon squares, lemon dessert