Description
Zesty “Classic Lemon Bars” bring sunshine to dessert tables with buttery shortbread crust and tangy citrus filling. Sweet-tart flavors invite you to savor each delightful bite of this timeless bakery treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
Liquid Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a 9×13-inch pan with butter and layering parchment paper for effortless extraction of the finished dessert.
- Craft the buttery shortbread foundation by blending flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a delicate base for the zesty topping.
- Press the crumbly shortbread mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring a compact and smooth surface that will serve as the perfect platform for the lemon layer.
- Bake the golden crust in the preheated oven until the edges turn a delicate light brown, developing a crisp and slightly toasted character that will complement the tangy lemon filling.
- While the crust cools slightly, whisk together fresh eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vibrant lemon zest to create a silky, bright custard-like mixture bursting with citrusy essence.
- Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice into the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure a smooth, luminous filling that will provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Gently pour the lemon custard over the partially cooled shortbread crust, allowing it to spread evenly and create a seamless layer of bright, sunshine-colored topping.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake until the lemon filling sets completely, developing a slight wobble in the center but maintaining a smooth, glossy surface.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling to firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Once thoroughly cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
- Slice into precise squares, revealing the beautiful layers of golden crust and vibrant lemon filling, ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful texture and taste.
- Adjust the sugar quantity slightly based on the tartness of your lemons, tasting the filling before pouring to achieve the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more evenly incorporated lemon filling that sets beautifully without curdling.
- Dust powdered sugar just before serving to prevent moisture from making the topping look soggy, keeping the bars looking fresh and appetizing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg