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Lemon Bars Recipe

This lemon bars recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth citrus filling. These bars are bright, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for gatherings, holidays, or everyday desserts. Whether you are looking for an easy lemon bars recipe, a healthy lemon bars recipe variation, or ideas like blueberry lemon bars or gluten free lemon bars recipe options, this classic version provides a reliable base that can be easily adapted.

lemon bars recipe with cake mix
lemon bars recipe with cake mix

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the lemon filling

  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest

Optional topping

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and combine until a crumbly dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  • While the crust bakes, combine sugar and lemon zest until fragrant.
  • Add flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice, whisking until smooth and fully combined.
  • Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes or until the center is set.
  • Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled before cutting into bars.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
lemon bars recipe
lemon bars recipe

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 15 bars