Best Lemon Bars Recipe for a Zesty Treat
Tangy lemon custard meets a buttery, tender crust in these classic American lemon bars. Perfect for tea time or desserts, with a vibrant citrus kick and a crisp, golden structure.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to 1/4 tsp for table salt)
1 cup cold, cubed butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
4 large eggs (room temperature)
3 cups powdered sugar (halal-certified)
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 large egg whites
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Butter and line a 9-inch square baking pan
Mix flour, salt, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a bowl
Work in cold butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly
Press crust evenly into the prepared pan
Bake crust at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, 3 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp flour, 2 egg whites, and 1 tbsp lemon juice
Pour filling over cooled crust and return to oven
Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until slightly puffed
Let cool completely before slicing into 12 bars
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemons for optimal acidity
Buttermilk can be substituted in crust for added tenderness (1/4 cup)
For vegan version: use non-dairy butter and replace eggs with flax eggs
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg