Lemon bars are a timeless dessert that perfectly balance tartness with sweetness. Their creamy lemon filling atop a buttery shortbread crust makes them irresistible. Ideal for any occasion, lemon bars are particularly popular during spring and summer months but are delightful year-round. They are a wonderful way to end a meal, offering a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that’s both satisfying and light.
Making lemon bars at home allows you to enjoy them fresh and tailored to your taste. This recipe is straightforward and designed to yield bars with a vibrant lemon flavor and a perfectly crumbly base. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply craving a treat, these lemon bars are sure to impress.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create lemon bars that are not only visually appealing but also deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The process is simple and the results are spectacular. Get ready to dive into a recipe that brings the best out of lemons with minimal fuss.
Ingredients for Perfectly Tangy Lemon Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Perfectly Tangy Lemon Bars
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature for baking the crust and filling evenly.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together. The mixture will be crumbly, which is perfect for the crust.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it is smooth and covers the entire base.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs until they are well mixed.
- Add Sugar and Flour: Add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the beaten eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the zest of 2 lemons. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour Over the Crust: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Lemon Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling should be firm and slightly puffed up.
Cool and Serve:
- Cool Completely: Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper if you used it, or simply cut directly in the pan.
- Cut into Squares: Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and cut into squares or bars.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lemon bars at room temperature or chilled. They make a great addition to any dessert table and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
About the Main Ingredients
Unsalted Butter:
Unsalted butter is preferred for baking as it allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe. It contributes to the rich, tender texture of the crust.
Granulated Sugar:
Granulated sugar is used in both the crust and filling to provide sweetness. It helps balance the tartness of the lemon juice and creates a pleasing contrast to the buttery crust.
All-Purpose Flour:
All-purpose flour is used to make both the crust and the filling. It provides structure to the crust and thickens the lemon filling, ensuring it sets properly.
Lemons:
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are crucial for achieving a bright, tangy flavor in the lemon bars. The zest adds an extra layer of citrusy aroma and flavor, making the bars even more refreshing.
Eggs:
Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the lemon filling. They help the filling set properly and give it a smooth, creamy texture.
Baking Powder:
Baking powder is used to slightly leaven the filling, giving it a lighter texture. It helps the filling rise and set evenly during baking.
Perfectly Tangy Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tang of fresh lemons with a buttery, crumbly crust. This recipe ensures a well-balanced flavor and a satisfying texture that’s sure to please any lemon lover. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious bars with family and friends!
