Description
These homemade lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty, thick lemon filling. They are the perfect balance of tart and sweet for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for crust)
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted
- 6 large eggs
- 6 Tablespoons (46g) all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined, then stir in the flour until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid foundation. Bake the crust for about 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown, then remove it from the oven and poke holes all over the surface with a fork while it is still warm.
- While the crust bakes, sift the remaining sugar and flour together in a large bowl to remove any lumps. Whisk in the eggs and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the lemon filling directly over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven immediately. Bake for another 22 to 26 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently tap the side of the pan.
- Allow the Lemon Bars to cool completely at room temperature for about two hours to set properly. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator for at least another hour to chill thoroughly before lifting them out by the parchment paper and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Notes
Using a glass pan helps avoid any metallic taste from the lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Chilling Time: 3 hr
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon bars recipe, homemade lemon bars, easy dessert, citrus baking, shortbread crust