Easy lemon bars are the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With their zesty citrus flavor and buttery shortbread crust, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. These bars are known for their simplicity, but their flavor is anything but basic. They’re the kind of treat that feels both nostalgic and refreshing, perfect for everything from bake sales and brunches to casual afternoons when you’re craving something homemade and comforting.
The beauty of lemon bars lies in their contrast. The bottom layer is a tender, buttery crust that melts in your mouth, while the top is a vibrant lemon custard that’s smooth, tart, and just the right amount of sweet. When baked together, the two layers create a satisfying texture – the richness of the crust anchors the brightness of the lemon, making each bite feel balanced and uplifting.
Made with just a handful of ingredients like fresh lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and flour, lemon bars are wonderfully simple to make. There’s no need for complicated techniques or special equipment. The result is a dessert that looks polished and tastes like sunshine, even if you’re baking on a cloudy day. A dusting of powdered sugar on top not only adds a delicate sweetness but also gives them a classic, finished look.
Lemon bars are incredibly versatile. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts or packing in lunchboxes. They also hold their shape well, which makes them easy to transport to potlucks or picnics. Pair them with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but indulgent treat.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, easy lemon bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Their bright taste and buttery base make them a crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe for any lemon lover.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons teaspoon lemon zest grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake the crust in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm and golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/3 cup lemon juice, remaining flour, and lemon zest. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Allow to completely cool before cutting into squares and serving.
I don’t know, my bars came out too mushy. I followed the recipe, but it didn’t work for me. Maybe needs more time?
2 stars
Sorry to hear that! Sometimes ovens can vary. Maybe try adding a few more minutes next time? Don’t lose hope, they can still turn out great! 😊
I think you might’ve missed a step? It says to let them cool completely. That could’ve been why they are mushy! Just a thought.
These lemon bars are so good! I love how tangy they are. I could eat the whole pan!
5 stars
Really enjoyed the tartness! I added more lemon juice because I love it.
These lemon bars were a hit at the party! Super easy to make and taste amazing!
I’m so glad to hear that! These lemon bars are definitely a crowd-pleaser. Did you add any extra zest, or stick to the recipe? 🍋
I messed up the measurements and now it’s a gooey mess. Not the recipe’s fault, I guess.
Lime is way better than lemon. You should try that instead!
I think lime would be awesom! I’ll give it a shot next time! 😊
Lime? Seriously? That’s totally different! Lemon is the star here, not lime.
So simple! I let my kids help and they had a blast. Will make again!
I dunno, they seem a bit too simple? What if they don’t turn out?
That’s awesome to hear! Cooking with kids is the best! 🍋
Super easy to make. My kids helped me with the crust. They turned out perfect! Good recipe.
That sounds awesome! I love when kids get involved in cooking. I’ll have to try this recipe! 🍋
I don’t get why people like these. Too sweet for my taste. Maybe I’m just not a lemon fan.
I followed the recipe but my bars turned out too gooey. What did I do wrong?
Meh… it was okay. Nothing special, really.
I thought they were great! Maybe you didn’t bake them long enough? 🍋
I found the crust a bit too thick for my taste. Next time I’ll use less flour.
Lemon bars? I thought this was a cake! Haha! 🤷♂️ Confused but still trying!
Haha, yeah! They do sound like a cake at first! But trust me, they’re sooo good once you try them! 🍋
These lemon bars are amazing!! So bright and tangy. Definitely a hit at the party!
Too much sugar for me. Maybe try cutting it in half?
Meh. They tasted okay but not as good as my grandma’s recipe.😒
Well, I liked them. I think they’re better than store-bought! 🤷♂️
I totally get it! Nothing beats grandma’s cooking. But maybe just a touch of extra lemon juice next time will give it that zing! 🍋
Yum! Just like my grandma used to make, but she never measured anything!
Yum! I added some mint on top for garnish. Looks fancy!
Fancy?! It’s just lemon bars. Hope they taste good tho. 🤷♂️
Mint on lemon bars? Interesting combo! I never thought of that. I’ll have to give it a try.
Wasn’t a fan. They came out too sour for my taste. Maybe I used too much lemon juice?
Easy but what is ‘freshly squeezed lemon juice’? I just used the stuff from a bottle. Still good tho.
Using bottled lemon juice is fine! It still adds a nice tang, right? Glad you enjoyed them!
These lemon bars are amazing! Just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Love them!
I agree! These are like a burst of sunshine! 🌞
Are you sure they’re good? I tried a different recipe, and it was too sour. 🤔
Super easy to make, but not enough lemon flavor for me. Next time, I’ll add more juice.