When life gives you lemons, turn them into a satisfyingly sweet treat with a tangy twist.
One of my favorite treats to share at summertime picnics is a tray of homemade lemon bars. Whether it’s a refreshing afternoon snack or a dessert after a BBQ, lemon bars are a fabulous way to add some tangy flavor to the day. But it’s not just picnic-friendly… I’ve made these for spring holidays and birthdays, too. And everyone, no matter how old, tends to enjoy them. Even my friends who swore they would never like fruity desserts have found a liking for these. They just hit the spot!
The sweet, zesty, and smooth lemon filling makes my mouth water just thinking about it… Made with a good balance of juice and zest, each bite has an ideal harmony of tender tartness. With a buttery, golden crust and a topping of powdered sugar, what more could you ask for?
Are Lemon Bars Healthy?
While lemons are healthy because of their vitamin C, lemon bars are sugary and carb-heavy, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation. However, there are some ways to adjust this recipe to suit certain dietary needs. If you’re serving those with a wheat allergy or sensitivity, for example, you can easily replace regular flour with a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free blend. For dairy-free folk, use plant-based butter. Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for vegans because it has eggs, so keep that in mind when sharing these with new crowds.
Spicing Up Your Lemon Bars
Of course, this basic recipe for lemon bars is always a winner. But once you’ve made them more than a few times, it becomes easy to experiment with seasonings that take lemon bars from sweet to sweet-and-spicy—a whole new level of flavor. I, for one, love to add a tablespoon of ground ginger to the lemon filling, but feel free to play with the same amount of cinnamon or a teaspoon of cardamom. These warm spices create a fun flavor combo with lemon that dances across the tongue. Magically refreshing and comforting!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, cover your lemon bars with parchment or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat once you’re ready to eat. You can also pre-slice them and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
After your lemon bars have cooled in the fridge, dust them with some powdered sugar, using a sifter. If you’re like me and you love to decorate, I suggest topping them off with Candied Lemon Slices, too. As for drinks that go heavenly with lemon bars, try a classic Lemonade, a sassy Strawberry Agua Fresca, or a homemade version of Starbucks’ Pink Drink. I’ve also found that lemon bars go splendidly with a scoop of Strawberry Whipped Cream or Fruit Salad.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to allow easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the crust: in a medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted unsalted butter and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is lightly golden around the edges.
- For the filling, whisk together granulated sugar and eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and all-purpose flour until well blended.
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Bake the pan for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and firm in the center.
- Take the bars out of the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After that, refrigerate for at least 2 hours for cleaner cuts. Before slicing into bars, dust with extra powdered sugar.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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