🍋 Classic Lemon Bars

These homemade lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a bright, silky lemon filling. They’re sweet, tangy, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar—an easy classic dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 16 bars

🛒 Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Lemon Filling

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Lemon zest or thin lemon slices (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
4. Add flour, salt, and vanilla; mix until a crumbly dough forms.
5. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk sugar and eggs until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix until well combined.

3. Bake the Lemon Bars

1. Pour lemon filling over the warm crust.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the center is set but still slightly soft.
3. Cool completely at room temperature.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

4. Serve

• Dust generously with powdered sugar.
• Cut into squares and serve chilled.

🍽️ Optional Variations

🍓 Raspberry Lemon Bars: Add fresh raspberries to the filling.
🥥 Coconut Lemon Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust.
🍫 White Chocolate Lemon Bars: Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
🌿 Lavender Lemon Bars: Add a small amount of culinary lavender for a floral twist.

💡 Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

✅ Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice tastes flatter.
✅ Chill before slicing for clean, sharp edges.
✅ Line the pan with parchment so the bars lift out easily.
✅ Don’t overbake—the filling should remain soft and creamy.
✅ Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

🍋 Flavor Upgrade: Add a thin layer of lemon curd between the crust and filling for an extra-rich lemon burst.