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.
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.
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.
Easy Homemade Lemon Bars
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.
Abi
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. 😉
brooke
Thank you Abi! I am so glad you loved them.
Delcie
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.
brooke
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.
Delcie
You’re awesome! Thank you for replying. I’ll try again this week 🤞🏼.
Kamryn
I’ve made these more than once - they are that good! They are definitely becoming a go-to for any special occasion.
Melissa Mills
So yummy! I’ve made these several times and everyone loves them.
brooke
Thank you so much Melissa. These are one of our favorite staples at home.
Sandy
Best lemon bars! Have made these for several gatherings, and they are always a hit!
Sydney Rucker
THE BEST LEMON BARS. THE EASIEST LEMON BARS. #brookediditagain
Ashley
These are our favorite! I keep coming back to this recipe. Perfect lemon bars!! 👌🏻👌🏻
brooke
I'm so glad!! Thank you so much for trying them and rating them. They are a family favorite of ours for years!!!
Sarah
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!!
Andrea
These were absolute perfection!! Perfect combination of lemon and sweet!! They were a huge hit!! Thank you for such a great recipe!!
Jaime
So good! My husbands favorite🍋
Ali
Do you think you could substitute vegan butter for these? Looking for a dairy free swap…. Hoping to try! Thanks!
brooke
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!
Emily
Hello! If I want to cut the recipe in half for a smaller group, do you think an 8x8 pan would work?
brooke
YES!! It would be perfect!
Jessica
SO good! SO easy! I made a big pan of these and ate 1/2. No regrets 😍 YUM!
Katie
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?
brooke
Maybe a few minutes, but not too much. I would set the time about 5 m minutes less and watch.
Denice
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?
brooke
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.