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πŸ‹ Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 9

Ingredients

🧈 For the Shortbread Crust:

  • Β½ cup unsalted butter, room temp ((113g) )
  • ΒΌ cup powdered sugar ((30g) )
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour ((130g) )
  • ΒΌ teaspoon salt

πŸ‹ For the Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar ((200g) )
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( (20g) )
  • β…› teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs ((100g))
  • β…“ cup fresh lemon juice ( (80ml) )

πŸŽ€ Garnish

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions 

  • 🟑 Step 1: Prep the Pan
    Preheat oven to 350Β°F (180Β°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment, leaving overhang on the sides. Grease lightly with butter or spray.
  • 🧈 Step 2: Make the Crust
    In a mixing bowl, cream butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until soft and creamy. Add flour and salt; mix until dough just comes together.Press into pan evenly and bake 18–20 mins until edges are lightly golden. Cool while you prep the filling.
  • πŸ‹ Step 3: Prepare the Filling
    Rub lemon zest into sugar using fingers or fork to release oils. Add flour and salt, mix. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until blended, then stir in sugar mixture and lemon juice.
  • πŸ”„ Step 4: Combine and Bake
    Pour filling onto crust. Bake for another 18–20 mins or until center is set and doesn’t jiggle. Slight browning on top is fine.
  • ❄️ Step 5: Cool and Chill
    Cool completely at room temp, then refrigerate for 1 hour. This helps firm them up for clean cutting.
  • ✨ Step 6: Serve
    Use foil overhang to lift bars from pan. Slice into squares using a sharp, warm knife (dip in hot water for clean cuts). Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Video

Notes

πŸ’‘ Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh lemons only β€” bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
  • Rub zest into sugar for deeper citrus flavour.
  • Chill before cutting β€” this gives cleaner, bakery-style edges.
  • Hot knife tip: Dip in hot water, wipe clean between each cut.
  • Store in the fridge in an airtight box for up to 3 days.
Author: Deepali Ohri
Course: Bakes & Bars,, Dessert, Party Dessert, Snack, Tea-time Treat
Cuisine: American
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