Lemon Drop Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you adore citrus desserts, these Lemon Drop Bars will be your new go-to recipe. The creamy lemon filling, combined with a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy twist of candied lemon zest, creates an unforgettable balance of flavors. They are incredibly easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients, and they bake to perfection every time. Whether you're preparing for a family gathering, a special event, or just craving a sweet snack, these Lemon Drop Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the refreshing lemon flavor is perfect for any season, making these bars a versatile treat year-round!

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

1½ cup graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Lemon Filling

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
5 egg yolks
½ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest

Topping

Candied lemon zest (optional, recipe below)
Powdered sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons key lime and/or lemon zest (optional, fresh lemon or lime zest can be used if not making candied lemon zest)

Candied Lemon Zest

2 tablespoons lemon zest
¼ cup granulated sugar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
   In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
   Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly.
   Bake the crust for 7 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Lemon Filling
   Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
   Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust and bake for 25 minutes.
   Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

3. Make Candied Lemon Zest (Optional)
   In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar. Toss the zest gently to coat it completely with sugar.
   Let the zest sit for about 30 minutes to candy.
   Sprinkle the candied zest over the cooled bars just before serving, along with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

4. Serve
   Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 32 minutes

• Total Time: 37 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours minimum

Variations

• Add berries: For a fresh twist, you can top the bars with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries before serving. The tartness of the berries pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.

• Lemon Meringue: Add a layer of toasted meringue on top of the bars for a lemon meringue pie-inspired variation.

• Graham Cracker Substitution: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the crust.

• Coconut Crust: Mix in some shredded coconut with the graham cracker crumbs for a tropical twist to the crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the Lemon Drop Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer, you can slightly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, you can use store-bought lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter, fresher flavor.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste better after they've chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. You can prepare them a day in advance.

How do I make sure the graham cracker crust is firm enough?

Be sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan, and using the bottom of a measuring cup can help compact it tightly, ensuring the crust stays intact after baking.

Can I freeze these Lemon Drop Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars! After they’ve chilled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How long should I chill the bars before serving?

Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to cut.

Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the topping?

Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar if you don't have powdered sugar. However, powdered sugar gives a finer, softer finish to the topping.

Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?

If you'd like to reduce the sweetness, you can try using less sweetened condensed milk or replacing some of the sugar in the graham cracker crust with a sugar substitute.

What type of pan should I use?

An 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan works best for this recipe. If you use a different size pan, the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Yes! You can add a few drops of vanilla extract, or even a little bit of lime juice or zest, to complement the lemon flavor and create a unique twist.

Can I use egg substitutes in this recipe?

While egg substitutes like flax eggs or egg replacer may work in some recipes, they might affect the texture and consistency of the filling. It’s best to use egg yolks for this particular recipe for the best results.

Conclusion

These Lemon Drop Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a creamy, smooth texture. The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch, and the candied lemon zest on top offers a gorgeous, tangy finish. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat, these bars will quickly become a favorite. With minimal prep time and no complicated steps, it’s easy to see why this dessert is a hit with everyone who tries it!