Classic Lemon Bars
A buttery, tender shortbread crust topped with bright, tangy lemon custard. Reliable, simple, and impossible not to love. Perfect for a weekday treat, a casual gathering, or when life hands you a bowl of lemons.
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 144kcal
Cost: $6–$8
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Zester
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Mix flour and butter until crumbly. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Press evenly into the pan using slightly damp fingers to prevent sticking.
- Bake 22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven.
- Whisk eggs and yolk, then add sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Pour over warm crust.
- Return pan to oven and bake 25 minutes, until center is set and top has a delicate, crackly finish.
- Let bars cool fully before slicing. Rushing this will cause them to fall apart.
- Dip knife in hot water before cutting for clean edges. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Flavor tweak: Adjust sugar and lemon juice to taste if you prefer sweeter or more tangy bars.
Make it fancy: Top with a few fresh berries or a thin swirl of raspberry puree before baking.
Tip: Rolling firm lemons on the counter or microwaving 10–15 seconds before juicing helps get the most juice with the least effort.
Nutrition
Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 224IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
