Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (2024)

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Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (1) By Rosie
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Simple homemade classic lemon bars made with real lemon juice, and a delicious shortbread base!

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

  1. The Easiest, Tangiest Homemade Lemon Bars Recipe
  2. Homemade Lemon Bars

The Easiest, Tangiest Homemade Lemon Bars Recipe

When I first started my YouTube channel, and blog – homemade lemon bars was one of my first recipes. So many of my viewers loved that recipe. However, when I switched my blog over to a different host, some of my recipes magically disappeared. My recipe for lemon bars from scratch happened to be one of them. I’ve been meaning to post the recipe for years, but it somehow got put on the back burner to other recipes. However, today I am finally going to post my recipe for easy lemon bars!

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (3)

This recipe is a tad bit different from my original recipe, but no worries. These homemade lemon bars are even better than before! These sweet and tangy lemon bars are simply amazing, and if you’re a lemon lover like me, you’re going to love this recipe for homemade lemon squares!

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (4)

Print the recipe below & join my mailing list for more free recipes! Don’t forget to subscibe to my YouTube channel too!

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (5)

Homemade Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a classic, refreshing dessert that everyone loves. This simple recipe will be a hit wherever you serve them!

Watch Video Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert / Treat

Cuisine American

Keyword Lemon Bars

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

lemon filling:

Shortbread base:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground nutmeg, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.

  • Add the butter to the flour mixture, and mix until it's crumbly .

  • Place the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down into a even layer.

  • Bake the shortbread base for 20-25 minutes,

  • Remove from the oven and set aside.

To make the lemon filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and flour.

  • Whisk until well combined.

  • Add in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

  • Mix until well combined.

  • Pour the lemon filling over the shortbread.

  • Bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes or until the lemon filling is set.

  • Remove from the oven, and let cool until at room temperature.

  • Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

  • Sift a little powdered sugar on top.

  • Serve & enjoy

Video

If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps futurerecipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!

©2024 I Heart Recipes

Recipe by: I Heart Recipes

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MEET THE RECIPE AUTHOR

Rosie

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

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Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (14)

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Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (15)Debbie says

    Does the cornstarch makes it crispy?

    Reply

    • Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (16)Rosie says

      I wouldn’t say “crispy”, but it definitely adds to the recipe. 🙂

      Reply

    • Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (17)Miesha Sanders says

      Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (18)
      I love this recipe! So easy and it’s delicious!

      Reply

  2. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (19)Karen Cook says

    Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (20)
    I love lemons and shortbread, so I am thrilled you decided to post your Lemon Bar recipe…they are beautiful as you are too!

    Reply

    • Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (21)Rosie says

      Thanks so much Karen!! I hope that you have an amazing week!

      Reply

  3. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (22)Lady j says

    When I put it in refrigerator for 2 hours do I need put top covering over 9 1/2 dish ?

    Reply

    • Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (23)Rosie says

      Yes, be sure to cover it 🙂

      Reply

  4. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (24)Ret says

    Hi Rosie,

    Being the lemon bar lover that I am, I decided to double the recipe for the filling only. As a result, the strangest thing happened; the crust rose to the top and the filling was underneath. Does this occur with the regular recipe?

    Reply

    • Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (25)Rosie says

      No, that’s never happened to me.. LOL

      Reply

  5. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (26)P. Presley says

    I need sugar-free recipes please! Would love lemonbars etc. I want to try all your recipies.

    Reply

  6. Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (27)Courtney says

    Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (28)
    I cannot put into words how happy I am that this recipe is back online! It was gone for the longest time and I was so sad. It’s the best lemon bar recipe I’ve ever tried.

    Reply

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is lemon bar filling made of? ›

Lemon Filling – In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Whisk in lemon juice and zest. Add flour and whisk until completely blended. Add filling and Bake – pour filling over the warm crust and bake at 350˚F for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and no longer wobbly.

What to do when lemon bars won't set? ›

Underbaking: This is the most common reason for gooey lemon bars. The filling needs enough time to set, which can be tricky since oven temperatures can vary and the visual cues for doneness are subtle. Solution: Bake the bars until the filling is just set and no longer wobbles when you gently shake the pan.

How long will lemon bars keep? ›

Cover and store leftover lemon bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing Instructions: Lemon bars can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Cut the cooled bars (without confectioners' sugar topping) into squares, then place onto a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.

Why are my lemon bars runny? ›

Runny Lemon Bars are most likely caused from under baking. Make sure the filling no longer jiggles before taking it out of the oven. If your lemon bars are runny put them in the fridge to firm up as much as possible, keeping them cold will keep them firm.

What is lemon filling made of? ›

Directions. In a saucepan over medium heat mix the white sugar, flour, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice and the egg. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely before folding in the whipped cream.

Why do my lemon bars taste eggy? ›

If your lemon bars have a strong eggy taste/smell, it's likely due to the lemon curd being overbaked. Be sure to take the lemon bars out of the oven as soon as they're done. Your oven may also be running a little hot.

Should lemon bars be served cold or warm in the fridge? ›

Made using fresh lemon juice and zest, these lemon bars are best served cold with a sprinkling of powdered sugar! When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars! Sweet, tangy and oh so satisfying, lemon bars are the perfect summer dessert for BBQs, picnics, family reunions or whatever you're celebrating.

How many lemons make 1 cup of juice? ›

On average, there are 3 tablespoons of juice in one lemon. So, for a cup of fresh lemon juice, you would need 5 and a quarter lemons. Because some lemons are less juicy than others, it's safe to say you'll need 5 and a half lemons for a cup of lemon juice.

Why are my lemon bars brown on top? ›

Remove your lemon bars from the oven before they turn brown on top. Browning means they're over-cooked, and the custard mixture can curdle. They will be pale yellow, only very slightly jiggly and will not hold a fingerprint when they are done.

Why did the top of my lemon bars crack? ›

Don't Over-Bake.

If you leave them in the oven too long, it can cause your bars to crack.

Why did my lemon bars flip upside down? ›

Set a timer for 5 minutes after pulling the crust from the oven to ensure it doesn't cool too much—if the shortbread is allowed to reach room temperature, the uncooked lemon curd will slip off the top and pool in the bottom of the dish, turning your lemon bars upside down (sounds bananas until it happens to you!).

How do you cut lemon bars without making a mess? ›

I have found that a hot, wet, very sharp knife helps quite a bit. Also, make sure the bars are completely chilled before cutting.

What is lemon pie filling made of? ›

Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (162 degrees C). To make the filling: Whisk 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a medium saucepan; stir in water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter.

What is the inside of a lemon slice? ›

It is generally divided into segments that contain elongated cells where water, carbohydrates, and citric acid accumulate, known as the juice sacs. Each slice contains hundreds of sacs, and occasionally there may be a seed.

What is the lemon sponge made of? ›

Beat the egg yolks, flour, salt, milk, grated zest, and lemon juice into the creamed mixture. In a clean bowl and with clean beaters, beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold the egg whites into the filling. Pour into the unbaked pie shell.

What's a lemon drop made of? ›

A lemon drop co*cktail is simple to make at home. I like to use lemon vodka, triple sec orange liqueur, lemon juice (fresh squeezed), and lemonade for built in sweetness! Give it a shake with crushed ice, strain into a sugar rimmed martini glass, and enjoy!

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