Easy Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
276g
- 1 cup powdered sugar
115g
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup unsalted butter
melted, 224g
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar*
518g
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
65g
- 7 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
240ml
- Pinch salt
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13 glass or ceramic pan with baking spray, then line it with parchment paper that sticks up above the long sides of the pan, so that you can remove the bars later for easy cutting. Set pan aside.
- 2
To make the crust, combine the flour, powdered sugar and salt in a medium bowl.
- 3
Add the melted butter and vanilla extract and stir to combine completely.
- 4
Crumble and distribute over the bottom of the pan and press evenly into the bottom so that it’s even.
- 5
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are just getting lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
- 6
To make the filling, combine the sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice and salt and whisk together to combine. Don’t over mix.
- 7
Pour the filling on top of the hot crust and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the center is set, but still jiggles slightly when you gently jiggle the pan. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter until room temperature, then refrigerate until cold and firm.
- 8
Remove bars from pan and dust with powdered sugar, then cut into squares. Bars are best when stored well covered, and they’ll last for 5-6 days.
Easy Lemon Bars Recipe
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Based on 44 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a bright, zesty dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet? This Easy Lemon Bars Recipe delivers that delightful flavor with every bite, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They’re simple to make and always impress, offering that classic homemade appeal.
The magic in these bars lies in their harmonious contrast: a rich, buttery vanilla crust provides the ideal counterpoint to the vibrant, smooth lemon filling. We rely on a generous amount of fresh lemon juice for that essential zing, balanced beautifully by the sweetness from both granulated and powdered sugar. It’s a classic combination perfected for simplicity and irresistible taste, setting these apart as truly delightful.
Prepare for a burst of sunshine! You'll experience the initial tang of fresh lemon that gives way to a lovely sweetness, all held together by a sturdy, flavorful base. The filling is wonderfully smooth, offering that signature melt-in-mouth texture, while the crust, made with melted butter, adds a comforting, buttery foundation with a hint of vanilla. These lemon bars are a true crowd-pleaser, delivering on their promise of a balanced, delicious dessert that’s easy to love.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe shines as written, you can easily adapt it to your taste. For an extra hint of citrus in the crust, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla. If you prefer a less intense lemon flavor, you might slightly reduce the fresh lemon juice, though we recommend sticking with the full amount for that signature bright zestiness that makes these bars truly special.
These Easy Lemon Bars are wonderful for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a refreshing treat after dinner. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert table or picnic. Dust them generously with extra powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant and appealing finish.