Ingredients and equipment
Lemon bars require a few basic ingredients and kitchen tools to achieve their signature balance of tart and sweet with a buttery shortbread crust. Below is a list of what you’ll need to prepare this classic dessert.
Ingredients for the crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the lemon filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Recommended equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar)
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-step preparation
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the 2 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure to reach all corners and create a uniform layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a spatula to smooth the surface.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
Step 2: Make the lemon filling
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. Add the 1/4 cup of flour and whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until the filling is fully incorporated and has a uniform consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Pour the lemon filling over the warm, partially baked crust. Tilt the pan gently to ensure the filling spreads evenly across the surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. The top may have a light golden hue, but it should not brown significantly.
Step 4: Cool and dust
Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a fine mesh sieve to dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired. For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
Storage and serving tips
Storage:
To maintain the freshness and texture of your lemon bars, proper storage is essential. Once the bars have cooled completely and been sliced, place them in an airtight container. If stacking the bars, separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for optimal freshness and longer shelf life, refrigerate them. In the refrigerator, lemon bars will keep well for up to 5 days. The chilled environment helps preserve the tart lemon flavor and keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, lemon bars can be frozen. Arrange the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, again using parchment paper between layers. Frozen lemon bars can be stored for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing, as the original dusting may dissolve during storage.
Serving tips:
Lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. For a clean and professional presentation, use a sharp knife to cut them into uniform squares or rectangles, wiping the blade clean between each cut. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal. For a decorative twist, garnish each bar with a small curl of lemon zest or a thin lemon slice.
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, and they make a refreshing finish to a rich meal. If serving at a gathering, arrange the bars on a platter lined with doilies or parchment for a polished look. Their bright, citrusy flavor and buttery crust make them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.