This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This easy Lemon Bars Recipe makes a delicious sweet treat! Layered onto a shortbread crust, this tart, yet sweet lemon bar is perfect for the lemon lover!
Lemon Bars are so light and refreshing and a perfect sweet treat anytime! Made from only a handful ingredients, these are incredibly easy as well as delicious. Luscious lemon filling is layered over a homemade shortbread crust for a dessert bar everyone loves – especially lemon lovers!
Lemon Bars Recipe
These are also one of my sister’s favorite treats and it’s easy to see why. I decided to whip up a batch of these delicious bars for her just to say thanks for being a great big sister. Every once in a while, it’s nice just to make something for someone you love “just because you wanna”.
I first discovered they were one of her favorites years ago when I made some to take to a get together. How in the world I hadn’t already known that little nugget of information, I’ll never know. As close as we are, I thought I’d known everything there was to know about her!
I tucked that little tidbit away and then surprised her with them when she least expected it.
I’ve updated my recipe to increase the amount of lemon of that was previously in my recipe, while reducing the sugar just a touch as well. It lets the tart, yet sweetness of the lemons really shine through!
Here’s how I make my Lemon Bars.
Lemon Bars
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Instructions
For the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Mix together the butter, flour, and confectioner’s sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake until lightly golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.
For the Lemon Filling:
- Mix together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust. Bake 35 minutes until the lemon filling is completely set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into square or rectangles and dust with confectioner’s sugar.
Nutritional Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published 2011.
I love lemon bars! As rich as they are, the lemon make them refreshing 🙂
Mmmmm….lemon bars! I was never very interested in lemon bars as a kid but as an adult I have really come to appreciate them!
It’s an easy answer but I always like to surprise my husband with something special – last night it was just instant chocolate pudding, but topped with real homemade whipped cream. 🙂
I love citrusy desserts. Lemon pie, lemon bars, citrus curds… they’re a feast for my tastebuds! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Robyn 🙂
I’m with you on citrus! Can’t get enough of it lately.
I’ve actually never attempted lemon bars. Thanks for the recipe! My MIL loves lemon, so I’ll definitely make them for her 🙂
Courtney – I think you would love them!
Wonderful classic recipe! Perfect for the warm weather we’re having right now 🙂
I adore lemon bars. My grandma made the best and I have yet to replicate the recipe! These look fabulous.
I LOVE lemon bars! (And…ummmm…you just possibly maybe might see a post on lemon bars from me tomorrow…)
Lemon bars are the best! This looks like the recipe my MIL uses and they are absolutely perfect!
Um, could this picture look any more gorgeous/delicious/absolutely perfect? YUM! I’ve been looking for a good homemade lemon bars recipe – I have only made them with the Barefoot Contessa mix, so I will definitely be trying this one out! Thanks for the great post!
LOVE lemon bars, they might just be my one of my favorites! These look perfect, Robyn!
What a sweet sister you are! Lemon bars are such a classic, always a nice treat.
love the lemon!!!! sounds awesome
Lemon bars are one of the first things I ever baked by myself!! I can never have too many recipes for these.
You are such a dear! Your sister is lucky to have you!
lemon is always my go-to when i need to feel like i’m in a warm sunny place – yummerz!
Lemon is like my favorite baked good flavor. I’m all over these.
Love lemon bars-refreshing!
Just made these and I have gotten thumbs up all the way around the table. Not alot of talking…more mumbling and chewing sounds…everyone is too busy noshing on the lemon love! Thanks for an amazingly easy and awesome recipe. These will definitely be a “go-to” bar this summer!
So glad you all loved them as much as my family does! Thanks for letting me know!
The first pan didn’t make it 24 hours. So we are onto round 2 with this fabulously easy and fantastically delicious recipe! Thanks again for sharing with all of us! =0)
I can never have too many recipes for these. What a sweet sister you are! love the lemon!!!!
Thank you very much for your yummy yuuummmy recipes.
From France we wish you the best 🙂
These are delicious! Reminds me of lemon candies. Love the crust. Love the pucker. A winner!
Do you think they are ok to freeze?
I would like to know if these lemon bars can be frozen?
Oooo! This looks so good!
Wow exciting:-)
Made these for a funeral last week and they were delicious. My husband’s aunt loved to bake, and these put a smile on everyone’s faces. People were asking for the recipe, and even when I brought a few leftovers to work they were asking for the recipe. I absolutely love this recipe so easy to make, and so yummy.
Oh. My. Goodness! So delicious. I just made these for my husband, and we are both in love!
Hi Christina!
I’m so excited that you and your husband enjoy these! They are such a favorite in my family too! Thanks so much! xo
Great recipe loved it.
I’m so glad you loved it.
I added a little special touch at the end. A little dollop of lemon cream cheese with zest, and a vodka soaked lemon peel curl on top. Great recipe!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Steve! Thanks!
Has anyone tried freezing the Lemon Bar? I’m baking treats for Christmas ahead of time. And/ or how long can they be kept (fridge/room temperature). Love your recipes. Thanks, Deb
You can freeze these bars, Deb. Just make sure they are in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. They can keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Enjoy!