Description
These classic lemon bars feature a crisp, buttery shortbread base topped with a rich, zesty lemon custard. Simple to make and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into pan and bake 18–20 minutes until edges are golden.
- While crust bakes, whisk 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp flour. Add eggs, then lemon juice and zest; mix until smooth.
- Pour filling over hot crust and bake 20–25 minutes until just set with a slight jiggle. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours.
- Lift from pan, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor, and chill thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (including both bakes)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: lemon bars, lemon squares, citrus dessert, shortbread crust, easy baking recipe