Easy Lemon Bars [with Video]

Quick and easy to make, these Easy Lemon Bars feature a soft crust and a tangy, sweet filling topped with powdered sugar.

With a buttery shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Be sure to check out the rest of our easy cookies recipes, too!

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best rated lemon bars recipe

You can add a little extra to your gatherings – from picnics and brunches – with this classic dessert.

Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and store, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.

So why not whip up a batch of these delectable bars and add a touch of brightness to your day?

A Sweet and Tangy Classic

While lemon is a traditional summer flavor, I always think of lemons for Springtime – particularly around Easter.

The lemon freshness just makes me think of everything coming back to life and blossoming.

Just thinking about this perfect flavor combo is making my mouth water!

lemon tree in my parents backyard in Florida

Once summer comes around, the lemon tree in the back of my parents yard in Florida begins to produce the most amazing lemons!

So ridiculously juicy – they make amazing pies and these easy lemon bars!

Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net. Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Even More Lemon Recipes!

Craving even more lemon tartness with sweet?

Light, airy and bursting with citrusy flavor, Lemon Cream Puffs are filled with a luscious lemon cream filling, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft and chewy with a tangy lemon flavor that’s complemented by a sweet glaze.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit perfectly combines the tangy, zesty flavor of fresh lemons with the creamy, rich taste of cheesecake.

Jump into happy, sunny days with this Lemon Cookies Recipe  – the perfect combo of sweet and slight zing that will wake up and delight your taste buds.

Don’t miss these Blueberry lemon bliss cheesecake bars or Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

Easy Lemon Bars

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups, plus 3 tablespoons, all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional, for topping
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup light cream, half-and-half or milk
lemon bars cooling

Directions for Lemon Bars

Heat oven to 350° F.

Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; allow overhang. Grease foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt.

Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes.

To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and light cream.

Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 15-20 minutes.

Cool completely on wire rack. 

Grasp foil overhang and lift from pan. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars before serving.

Easy Lemon Bars

Easy Lemon Bars

Yield: 12

Quick and easy to make, these Lemon Shortbread Bars feature a soft crust and a tangy, sweet filling topped with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups, plus 3 tablespoons, all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional, for topping
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup light cream, half-and-half or milk

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350° F.
  2. Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; allow overhang. Grease foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  3. In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt.
  4. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes.
  5. To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and light cream.
  6. Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 15-20 minutes.
  7. Cool completely on wire rack. 
  8. Grasp foil overhang and lift from pan. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 0gSugar: 31gProtein: 3g

Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

For more bar and cookie inspiration!

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