My Favorite Easy Lemon Bars Dessert of All Time

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If you love bright, refreshing, sweet-but-tangy desserts, these Easy Lemon Bars will quickly become your all-time favorite. They have a buttery shortbread base topped with a silky, zesty lemon filling that melts in your mouth. The balance of tart lemon and delicate sweetness makes them irresistible.

These lemon bars are perfect for spring, summer, potlucks, tea time, holidays — honestly any time you want a light, uplifting dessert. They require just a few basic ingredients, minimal effort, and always turn out beautifully. This is the recipe I come back to over and over again because it never fails.

2. Ingredients

These lemon bars use simple pantry staples but deliver a bakery-quality dessert.

Ingredients List

Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt

Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2–3 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended)

Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Key Ingredients

  • Butter: Creates the tender, buttery shortbread crust.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: The key to bright, real lemon flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma.
  • Eggs: Make the filling silky, smooth, and perfectly set.

Optional Add-Ons / Variations

  • Add a pinch of vanilla to the filling
  • Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor
  • Add coconut flakes to the crust
  • Make raspberry lemon bars by swirling raspberry puree on top
  • Add a thin white chocolate drizzle after baking

3. Step-By-Step Instructions

This recipe is incredibly simple: bake crust, whisk filling, pour, bake again — done!

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until crumbly.
  4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan.
  5. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Cooking Steps

  1. Meanwhile, whisk sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  2. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust.
  3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center.
  4. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
  5. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
  6. Chill for the cleanest slices and the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these lemon bars:

  • Chilled with extra powdered sugar
  • With whipped cream or ice cream
  • Alongside fresh berries
  • With hot tea, iced tea, or lemonade
  • As a dessert tray centerpiece

Perfect for gatherings, picnics, brunch, and summer parties.

4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes

Pro Tips for Better Results

  • Always use fresh lemon juice — bottled juice changes the flavor.
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour for clean slices.
  • Don’t overbake — filling should be set but still soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using softened butter that is too warm — crust becomes greasy.
  • Mixing filling too aggressively — creates unwanted bubbles.
  • Cutting before bars cool — filling may ooze out.
  • Skipping parchment paper — makes removal harder.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use gluten-free flour blend (1:1) for both crust and filling.
  • Replace butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Swap sugar with coconut sugar (note: color will be darker).
  • Use lime juice instead of lemon for lime bars.

Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations

  • Add 1 extra tablespoon of lemon juice for tangier bars.
  • Add 1 extra egg for firmer filling.
  • Add poppy seeds to the crust or filling.
  • Reduce sugar slightly for a less-sweet version.

5. Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store lemon bars covered in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Powdered sugar may dissolve — dust again when serving.

Freezing

  • Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw in the fridge and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Reheating

  • No reheating needed — best served chilled or at room temperature.

6. Nutrition (Optional)

(Approximate per bar, depending on size)

  • Calories: ~160
  • Carbs: ~22g
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Protein: ~2g

7. Conclusion

These Easy Lemon Bars truly are one of my all-time favorite desserts — simple, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, they never disappoint. One bite and you’ll understand why they remain a timeless classic.

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