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Home » Recipes » Brownies & Bars

Easy Homemade Lemon Bars

March 9, 2021 by brooke 22 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 dessert, 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 got 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
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 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 55 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

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Hi! I'm Brooke,

Welcome to the SALTED sweets! I am a self-taught baker, dessert lover, and mom of three. My hope is to share my love language of sweet and simple baked goods with you. More about me...

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