Super Easy Lemon Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a family favorite, adapted from the recipe box of the creator's late Grammy. With only six simple ingredients, it combines a crisp shortbread crust with a smooth, zesty lemon filling. The bars are easy to prepare and bake, offering a delightful dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

For the lemon curd filling:

• ½ cup lemon juice (from 2–3 lemons)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (finely grated)

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (sifted)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the shortbread crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Lightly spray an 8" x 8" baking pan with flour-based baking spray.

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, flour, and powdered sugar.

   • Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it forms loose crumbs.

   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

   • Chill the crust in the refrigerator or freezer for 10–15 minutes.

   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon curd filling.

2. Prepare the lemon curd filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, granulated sugar, and sifted flour until well combined.

   • Pour the lemon mixture over the slightly cooled shortbread crust.

   • Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and lightly browned around the edges.

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

   • Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set properly.

   • Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Bake Time: 40–48 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Double Lemon Bars: Increase the lemon filling ingredients by 50% for a thicker, more intense lemon flavor.

• Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling before baking for a fruity twist.

• Lemon Coconut Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the lemon filling for added texture and flavor.

• Lemon Almond Bars: Incorporate almond extract into the lemon filling for a nutty undertone.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To serve, allow frozen bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQs

How can I prevent the lemon bars from forming a thin crust on top?

Overbaking can cause a thin crust to form. To avoid this, bake the lemon bars until the filling is set and lightly browned around the edges, but not until a crust forms on top.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may lack the freshness and brightness that fresh lemons provide.

Do I need to sift the flour for the lemon curd filling?

Yes, sifting the flour helps to prevent any lumps in the lemon curd filling, ensuring a smooth texture.

Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour.

How can I make the crust more flavorful?

Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crust mixture can enhance its flavor.

Can I use salted butter for the crust?

It's best to use unsalted butter for the crust to control the amount of salt in the recipe.

How can I make the lemon filling more tart?

Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest in the filling to intensify the tartness.

Can I add a meringue topping to these lemon bars?

Yes, you can top the baked lemon bars with a light meringue and bake until golden for a lemon meringue bar variation.

Are these lemon bars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients.

Can I use a different citrus fruit for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute lemon juice and zest with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice and zest for a different citrus flavor.

Conclusion

These Super Easy Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon curd filling. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they offer a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as is or with a twist, these lemon bars are sure to satisfy your citrus cravings.