Description
These classic Easy Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust paired with a bright, silky lemon filling that’s tart, smooth, and perfectly gooey. With a balanced crust thickness and no-fuss preparation, this dessert brings sunshine to your table in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Lemon Filling
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 2 lemons finely grated zest ONLY
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish
- powdered sugar
- lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars.
- Mix crust: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the all-purpose flour just until the dough is crumbly and combined without overmixing.
- Pre-bake crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
- Make filling: In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, large eggs, lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest until smooth. Then whisk in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble bars: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool: Allow the lemon bars to cool to room temperature. After about 2 hours, place the bars in the refrigerator to chill completely. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with lemon slices. Slice into 15 bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overmix the crust after adding flour; mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Prepare the lemon filling right before pouring over the crust to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Avoid overbaking; the bars should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
- Chill the bars completely before slicing to ensure clean, even portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
