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Delicious homemade lemon bars with a crispy crust and creamy lemon filling

Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, these Lemon Bars feature a buttery crust and creamy lemon filling — a quick and easy dessert that's perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour For the crust base.
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar For sweetness in the crust.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Provides richness to the crust.
Filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Main sweetener for the filling.
  • 2 large eggs Bind the filling together.
  • 0.5 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice Provides tartness and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Adds aromatic citrus flavor.
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder Helps the filling rise slightly.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until it forms a crumbly dough. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
Filling
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
  2. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot baked crust and return to the oven.
  3. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Finishing Touch
  1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Don't overbake the filling; let it cool completely for cleaner cuts.