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    Home » Recipes » Brownies & Bars

    Easy Homemade Lemon Bars

    Published: Mar 9, 2021 · Modified: Mar 31, 2023 by Brooke Homec · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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    Lemon bar in hand

    THE EASIEST HOMEMADE LEMON BARS

    While I love a good chocolate dessert, these easy homemade lemon bars are a close second. The minute I start to feel spring in the air I begin craving all sorts of fruity desserts, and these lemon bars are at the top of my list every year. They are so simple to make with only a few ingredients.

    THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR AND MEYER LEMONS

    The main difference between regular lemons, generally Eureka or Lisbon, and Meyer lemons is the amount of tart versus sweetness to the lemon.

    Meyer lemons look is a little more round, with a thinner skin. The taste is also a little more subtle, therefore giving off a more sweet and less tart taste to them. Their season is usually late Fall through early Spring.

    While either lemon would work fine in this recipe, I generally prefer a regular lemon because I love the tart taste that it gives in these bars. But whatever you have on hand is great.

    one piece of lemon bar

    HOW TO MAKE THESE EASY LEMON BARS

    These lemon bars are super simple to make and come together really quick. The most time consuming part is just waiting for them to bake!

    MAKE THE SHORTBREAD CRUST FOR THE BOTTOM OF THE BARS

    Using either a mixer or a pastry cutter, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter and salt. I look for it to form little pea sized balls when coming together. Press into a 9x13 pan.

    BAKE THE CRUST

    Bake the crust for about 26-28 minutes. You want the crust to get a light golden brown around the edges.

    MIX FILLING TOGETHER

    While the crust is baking we can get the filling ready. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are a light yellow color. Add sugar, flour and baking powder and blend. Add lemon juice and zest and stir together once more.

    SECOND BAKE

    When the crust is done baking, pour the filling onto the warm crust and return to the oven for a second round of baking for about 25-30 minutes.

    TOPPING

    Sprinkle or sift some powdered sugar on top once completely cooled. Cut and enjoy.

    lemon bars cut in diamond shapes

    For more yummy treats follow me on instagram @thesaltedsweets. And be sure to tag me and comment below if you make them and love them as much as I do.

    lemon bar squares

    Easy Homemade Lemon Bars

    Brooke Homec
    These lemon bars are both tart and sweet, with a flaky shortbread crust. The perfect Spring treat that will leave you wanting more and more. And best part is they come together so easy!
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24
    Calories 197 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Shortbread Crust:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 cup butter, room temperature
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Lemon Filling:

    • 4 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ cup lemon juice, about 1-2 lemons
    • zest from a lemon
    • powdered sugar for topping

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oven to 350 F.
    • In a large mixing bowl, fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter and salt. Beat at a low speed until crumbly. I look for little pea sized balls of dough coming together.
    • Press mixture evenly along the bottom of a 9x13 pan. No need to grease it, the butter will do that work for us. Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. While the crust is baking prepare the filling.
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are a lighter yellow color, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, flour, and baking powder and blend well. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
    • When the crust is done baking, pour the filling over the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the top has a light golden brown over most of it. You want to make sure they are fully cooked.  Leave to cool completely.
    • Once cooled, I like to sift powdered sugar along the top. I prefer to chill my bars. I find them easier to have a clean cut that way, and also like the taste of the lemony filling cold.

    Notes

    You can use regular or Meyer lemons for this recipe.
     
    The butter and eggs should not be completely chilled from the fridge, but should also not be room temperature. I try to let them sit out for about 15-30 minutes before I begin my crust making!
     
    I have given both cups and grams as measurements. Grams will be more precise, especially when measuring flour. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, no problem! Just lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup to insure its not packed in there. Light and fluffy is the key.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 122mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword bars, crust, lemon, shortbread, sweet, tart
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Abi

      March 24, 2021 at 8:45 pm

      These lemon bars are SUPERIOR. The shortbread crust is indeed perfection, and the filling is amazing. Quick and easy to whip up too! The best summertime treat. Go make these. 😉

      Reply
      • brooke

        March 25, 2021 at 8:30 am

        Thank you Abi! I am so glad you loved them.

        Reply
    2. Delcie

      April 25, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      I just made these and the top was already light brown with 10 minutes left to cook. I think my new double ovens cook from the top because everything always comes out with a golden top and not done bottom. I’m wondering if you ever use convection oven setting for your baked goods/cookies and if it has worked? Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • brooke

        April 25, 2021 at 4:56 pm

        My own isn't convection, but my Mom's is and she hasn't had a problem making these. But I do know that cooking times and temps definitely vary with convection. You're usually supposed to drop the temp down a bit I think. I would just let them chill first and hopefully the center will firm up.

        Reply
        • Delcie

          April 25, 2021 at 7:51 pm

          You’re awesome! Thank you for replying. I’ll try again this week 🤞🏼.

          Reply
    3. Kamryn

      November 07, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made these more than once - they are that good! They are definitely becoming a go-to for any special occasion.

      Reply
    4. Melissa Mills

      November 07, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! I’ve made these several times and everyone loves them.

      Reply
      • brooke

        November 07, 2021 at 5:21 pm

        Thank you so much Melissa. These are one of our favorite staples at home.

        Reply
    5. Sandy

      January 02, 2022 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      Best lemon bars! Have made these for several gatherings, and they are always a hit!

      Reply
    6. Sydney Rucker

      January 15, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      THE BEST LEMON BARS. THE EASIEST LEMON BARS. #brookediditagain

      Reply
    7. Ashley

      February 15, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      These are our favorite! I keep coming back to this recipe. Perfect lemon bars!! 👌🏻👌🏻

      Reply
      • brooke

        February 16, 2022 at 4:39 pm

        I'm so glad!! Thank you so much for trying them and rating them. They are a family favorite of ours for years!!!

        Reply
    8. Sarah

      April 11, 2022 at 1:02 pm

      These are soooo so good. Made them twice now exactly as written-amazing both times! So buttery and lemony-the crust is delicious. Thank you for such an awesome and easy recipe!!

      Reply
    9. Andrea

      April 22, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      These were absolute perfection!! Perfect combination of lemon and sweet!! They were a huge hit!! Thank you for such a great recipe!!

      Reply
    10. Jaime

      May 18, 2022 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      So good! My husbands favorite🍋

      Reply
    11. Ali

      August 22, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      Do you think you could substitute vegan butter for these? Looking for a dairy free swap…. Hoping to try! Thanks!

      Reply
      • brooke

        August 22, 2022 at 9:47 pm

        I haven't ever baked with vegan butter before, but I would assume it would be ok. If you try it please let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    12. Emily

      August 30, 2022 at 10:57 am

      Hello! If I want to cut the recipe in half for a smaller group, do you think an 8x8 pan would work?

      Reply
      • brooke

        August 30, 2022 at 12:25 pm

        YES!! It would be perfect!

        Reply
    13. Jessica

      October 23, 2022 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      SO good! SO easy! I made a big pan of these and ate 1/2. No regrets 😍 YUM!

      Reply
    14. Katie

      January 16, 2023 at 1:24 pm

      My almost 9 year old wants these as a birthday treat 🙂 If I half the recipe, do you think I need to adjust he cook time?

      Reply
      • brooke

        January 16, 2023 at 3:39 pm

        Maybe a few minutes, but not too much. I would set the time about 5 m minutes less and watch.

        Reply
    15. Denice

      October 10, 2023 at 12:55 am

      Your pictures look like the recipe makes a 9x9 pan of lemon bars but your recipe says to use a 9x13 pan or do I need to double the recipe? Can you clarify that for me?

      Reply
      • brooke

        October 10, 2023 at 4:30 pm

        No the amounts in the recipe that are written are for a 9x13, you can half it and bake it in an 8x8 though if you prefer.

        Reply

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