Classic Lemon Bars Recipe with Tangy Shortbread Crust

Enjoying a light, flavorful dessert is a lovely way to relax on a warm summer day. For a classic option, try these easy lemon bars.

Easy Lemon Bars

These lemon bars combine a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a bright, tart custard filling. The recipe is straightforward and uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver a refreshing dessert perfect for summer.

Other fruit desserts you will love:

• Mini lemon tarts
• Sugar free no bake lemon pie
• Lemon mousse with cream cheese
• Lemon almond cookies
• Blueberry streusel muffins
• Apple pull apart bread
• Slow cooker lemon crunch cake

Easy Lemon Bars Tips

Lemon bars can be sensitive to small changes in technique. Follow these tips to make them turn out consistently well:

• Use a glass baking dish. Glass preserves the clean lemon flavor better than metal pans, which can sometimes impart a metallic taste into the custard.
• Sift the dry ingredients. Sifting flour and sugar together before adding to the filling helps prevent lumps and makes it easier to whisk the mixture smooth.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Bringing eggs and other ingredients to room temperature helps them incorporate evenly for a smooth filling.

How do you squeeze a lemon easily?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Try this simple method to get the most juice from each lemon:

1. Roll the lemon on the counter to soften it.
2. Cut the lemon crosswise in half.
3. Hold a half over a bowl with the cut side up and squeeze firmly, rotating after each squeeze.
4. Use a spoon to press the pulp and release any remaining juice.
5. Repeat with the other half, then remove seeds or strain the juice if needed.

Do these lemon bars need to be refrigerated?

After cooling completely, lemon bars can sit at room temperature for up to six hours. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Serve chilled or let them come to room temperature before serving, according to your preference.

How can you tell when the lemon squares are done baking?

Timing is important: underbaked bars will be runny, while overbaked bars can crack and become chewy. The best test is a gentle shake of the pan. If the filling is set and only the very center has a slight jiggle, the bars are done. If the center jiggles freely, bake a few minutes longer and test again.

Lemon squares recipe

Lemon Bar Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of common ingredients, likely already in your kitchen:

• Unsalted butter – essential for a tender shortbread crust; don’t substitute margarine or shortening for best flavor.
• Sugar – used in both the crust and the filling to balance the tart lemon.
• All-purpose flour – provides structure for both the crust and the filling so the curd sets properly.
• Vanilla extract – adds depth and balances the bright lemon.
• Eggs – create a smooth, creamy custard when combined with lemon juice and baked.
• Fresh lemon juice – freshly squeezed yields the brightest, most authentic lemon flavor.

How to make lemon squares

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later. Set aside.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter with sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest and salt. Add the flour and stir until fully combined into a thick dough. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. Remove from the oven and poke holes across the warm crust with a fork.
4. Prepare the filling: Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla, and fresh lemon juice and whisk until smooth and fully combined. Pour the filling over the warm crust.
5. Bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the center no longer jiggles. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
6. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve. Optionally add a small dollop of cream cheese frosting to each square for extra richness.

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