Easy Lemon Bars

Featured in: Simple Homemade Desserts

These lemon bars feature a crisp, buttery shortbread base topped with a vibrant, tangy lemon filling. Simple steps start by baking the crust until golden, then pouring a smooth lemon mixture over it before baking again. Once cooled, the bars are dusted with powdered sugar for an appealing finish. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat, these bars balance tart lemon flavor with a buttery richness making them a delightful classic.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:04:00 GMT
Bright lemon bars on a plate, showcasing a buttery crust and sweet dusting. Save to Pinterest
Bright lemon bars on a plate, showcasing a buttery crust and sweet dusting. | flourhollow.com

Bright, tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust perfect for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert.

This recipe has become a family favorite for gatherings and holidays.

Ingredients

  • For the Shortbread Crust: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Lemon Filling: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour 4 large eggs 2/3 cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3 4 lemons) Zest of 2 lemons
  • For Dusting: Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 3:
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and flour for the filling. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Step 5:
Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 18 20 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.
Step 6:
Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang. Dust generously with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
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These lemon bars always bring back memories of family celebrations.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk Electric mixer (optional) Measuring cups and spoons Parchment paper Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Wheat (Gluten), Dairy (Butter). If unsure about specific products, always check ingredient labels.

Tangy Easy Lemon Bars with powdered sugar, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. Save to Pinterest
Tangy Easy Lemon Bars with powdered sugar, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. | flourhollow.com

Enjoy these lemon bars fresh or chilled for a delightful treat any time.

Recipe FAQs

What type of flour is best for the crust?

All-purpose flour works best to create a tender and crumbly shortbread crust that holds well during baking.

How can I intensify the lemon flavor?

Adding extra lemon zest to the filling will enhance the brightness and make the lemon flavor more pronounced.

Can these bars be stored after baking?

Yes, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can replace regular flour for a gluten-free shortbread crust.

What temperature should I bake at?

Bake both crust and filling at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and a golden crust.

Easy Lemon Bars

Tangy lemon squares with buttery shortbread crust, perfect for a bright and refreshing dessert.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cook Duration
35 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 16 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Shortbread Crust

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling

01 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 4 large eggs
04 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 3–4 lemons)
05 Zest of 2 lemons

Dusting

01 Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Make shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in flour and salt until crumbly dough forms.

Step 03

Bake the crust: Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 04

Prepare lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and flour. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest; whisk until fully combined and frothy.

Step 05

Bake with filling: Pour lemon mixture over pre-baked crust. Return to oven and bake 18–20 minutes until center is set and no longer jiggly.

Step 06

Cool and serve: Allow bars to cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 185
  • Fat content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Protein Amount: 2 g