Bright and tangy classic lemon bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, refreshing lemon filling, perfect for a sweet finish after rich meals.
Author:Mari
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:16 lemon bars 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shortbread Crust
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar (portion for crust)
For the Lemon Filling
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar (remaining portion for filling)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and half of the sugar to create a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into a baking pan to form the crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Make the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the tangy filling.
Assemble and Bake: Carefully pour the lemon filling over the hot baked crust. Immediately return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a cleaner cut, chill the lemon bars in the refrigerator before slicing.
You can adjust the lemon zest and juice to taste for more or less tartness.
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.