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+ servings
Bright, yellow lemon bars in a baking tray with citrus rounds

Lemon Bars

Sunshine in a pan! Bright, zesty lemon bars layered on a buttery shortbread crust.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Layer

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper on all sides.
  • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, sugar, flour and salt. The mixture will be crumbly.
  • Press the shortbread in an even layer into the prepared pan. I find using a rubber spatula to jab and smooth the dough to be effective. Use a fork to make a few holes in the crust. Bake the crust for 20 minutes.
  • While the crust bakes, make the lemon layer. Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl to prevent clumps.  Add the eggs, lemon juice and lemon zest, and whisk until completely combined. The mixture will be thin.
  • Take the crust out of the oven and pour the lemon layer over the baked shortbread crust.
  • Lower the oven temperature to 325°F and bake for 20-25 more minutes, or until the center no longer jiggles. Take the bars out of the oven and allow to cool completely.
  • Once the bars are completely cool, transfer to the fridge to set for 2 hours (or overnight) until ready to serve. Use a sifter to liberally dust the tops with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Keyword lemon, Lemon bars, lemon squares, meyer lemon
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