Classic Lemon Bars
User Reviews
4.5
Classic Lemon Bars
Description
The recipe begins with a soft, salted butter-based shortbread crust combined with flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Pressed evenly into a baking pan, the crust bakes until the edges turn lightly golden, providing a crisp base. The lemon filling is made by whisking granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, eggs, and flour together. This mixture pours over the hot crust, then bakes to a firm, custard-like consistency with a vibrant lemon flavor.
The bars have a balanced texture: a slightly crumbly, buttery crust beneath a smooth, tangy topping. The fresh lemon juice gives a natural tartness complemented by the sweetness of sugar and the richness of eggs. Once cooled, the bars are cut into squares and dusted with powdered sugar for a light finish.
These lemon bars work well as a dessert or an afternoon treat. They hold their shape well, making them suitable for serving at gatherings or as a portable snack. Their classic ingredient combination keeps the taste simple and clean.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1/2 cup butter softened, salted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh
- 3 whole egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Spray 8x8 or 9x9 square glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line parchment paper (optional). Lightly spray parchment with more cooking spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 350° F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix butter, flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until a dough starts to form. If you notice the dough not coming together, your butter may be too cold. Mix with your hands so the heat from your hands can help bring the dough together.
- Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until edges are barely golden brown.
- While crust bakes, make the lemon filling. Whisk sugar together with lemon juice, eggs, and flour. Once the crust is done baking, pour lemon filling over the hot crust.
- Bake 20 minutes or until set. Cool completely, cut into squares and top with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 144 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 144kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 51mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 16mg | 0% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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