Lemon Bars – The Best Homemade Lemon Bars Recipe
These Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, creamy fresh lemon filling. They are perfectly sweet, tangy, and make an irresistible dessert for holidays, parties, or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
3 cups granulated sugar
8 large eggs
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix 2½ cups flour, powdered sugar, salt, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Meanwhile combine sugar with lemon zest until fragrant.
6. Whisk together the remaining flour, lemon-zest sugar, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
7. Pour the filling over the warm crust.
8. Bake for 25 minutes until the center is just set.
9. Cool completely at room temperature.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
11. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
12. Slice into bars using a clean sharp knife and serve.
Notes
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Allow the bars to chill completely before slicing.
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares.
Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.