The Best Lemon Bars Recipe for Baking Enthusiasts
Zesty, buttery crust meets tangy lemon filling in these golden-baked bars. A 3-layer technique and lemon reduction create vibrant flavor and a silky, shimmering topping.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 90
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, European-style
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (organic Meyer lemons)
3 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
Cheat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time
Gradually add flour until dough forms
Press dough into parchment-lined 9×13″ pan
Chill 15 minutes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Bake crust 20 minutes until golden
Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C)
Whisk lemon juice and sugar until dissolved
Simmer 15 minutes to concentrate flavor
Let cool 10 minutes
Add eggs and beat until emulsified
Fold in lemon zest
Pour filling over warm crust
Cool completely then refrigerate 6+ hours
Score with dental floss for serving
Notes
Use exactly 3 medium lemons for optimal juice
Chill filling mixture in ice bath for faster setting
Double-bake ensures perfect topping consistency
Swap butter with halal-certified shortening if preferred
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg