Description
These classic Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy and sweet lemon filling. Perfectly baked to set the filling while keeping a bright lemon flavor, these bars make a delightful dessert or snack, ideal for spring baking and lemon lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in 2 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the dough becomes crumbly.
- Form and bake crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare lemon filling: While the crust is baking, combine 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a separate bowl. Whisk in the eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add filling and bake: Once the crust comes out of the oven, immediately pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set the filling.
- Serve: Dust the chilled lemon bars generously with powdered sugar before slicing them into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra tartness, add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling mixture.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
