Easy Homemade Lemon Bars: A Zesty Dessert That Brightens Any Table

Lemon Square Bars

Nothing brightens up a dessert table like homemade lemon bars, and this easy recipe brings sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients for Lemon Bars

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Lemon Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups sifted flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, ¼ cup flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and frothy.
5. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
6. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
7. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into 24 even squares.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lemon Bars

• Cold butter is key: For a flaky crust, keep your butter chilled until the last moment.
• Fresh lemons: Bottled juice won’t give you that vibrant citrus punch—always opt for fresh.
• Chill before slicing: A brief chill makes clean cuts so your bars look as good as they taste.

Serving Suggestions

These zesty squares pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also delightful on their own as a bright afternoon snack.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these tangy, buttery lemon bars.

Credits: Original Recipe on Allrecipes