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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Classic Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

    Classic Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

    Published: Apr 6, 2021 · Modified: Dec 12, 2022 by Sherri · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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    nine lemon bars on a white table some topped with powdered sugar

    This simple yet classic Lemon Bars recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart and the homemade shortbread crust just melts in your mouth.

    I’m not a huge fan of really tart lemon desserts so this one is absolutely perfect. So the fact that these bars have a subtle tartness that is not overwhelming is perfect. This Lemonade Cake and this Blueberry Lemon Bread are two other favorite lemony desserts that we love.

    closeup of nine lemon bars some covered with powdered sugar

    Table of contents

    • Easy Lemon Squares Recipe
    • Why we love this recipe
    • Ingredients/shopping list
    • How to Make this Recipe
    • Variations/Substitutions
    • Tips
    • FAQ’s

    Easy Lemon Squares Recipe

    With the presence of warmer weather on its way, I can’t help but embrace all the light, fresh and simple flavor of an easy citrus dessert. That’s why these lemon squares are one of my favorites! If I need a quick and easy dessert to serve a crowd in a pinch, this recipe is definitely my go-to easy recipe.

    These homemade lemon bars, aka Lemon Squares, have that famous buttery shortbread crust that consists of just 3 simple ingredients, then they are topped with a luscious slightly tangy lemon filling that has the best flavor. Then it’s sprinkled with a dusting of powder sugar and what really are simple desserts are transformed into beautiful delicious recipe that are ready to be sliced and served.

    You can slice them into smaller pieces as part of an assortment of mini desserts on a table when hosting garden parties, brunches, wedding or baby showers. They’re always a hit with lemon lovers and those who just love sweet treats of all kinds!

    stack of three lemon bars on a white table

    Why we love this recipe

    ·    Quick and easy and done in 1 hour.

    ·    Not too tart thanks to the subtle lemon flavor which balances the sweetness.

    ·    Can cut any size to as little or big as you’d like which works great for serving crowds or serving your hungry family.

    ·    Freezes well so if you do have leftovers they’ll keep until you’re ready to serve them again.

    ·    Basic ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

    ·    One of the best ways to use up extra lemons.

    ingredients for lemon bars in white bowls - flour, butter, eggs, lemon juice

    Ingredients/shopping list

    Sugar: Used in the crust and the filling. Makes for a sweet crust, but nicely balances out the lemon.

    Butter: Melted in order to blend well with the ingredients of the crust. I like to use unsalted butter.

    Large Eggs: Helps the filling to set, otherwise you’d have a liquid pudding!

    Lemon juice and lemon zest: The star of the show! You’ll need just 3 tablespoon for this recipe to give it a citrus burst without overwhelming you. Use fresh lemons squeezed if you can.

    All purpose flour: Can also use gluten-free all purpose flour. Used in both the filling and the crust.

    Baking soda: Gives the flour a little extra bounce.

    Salt: Is meant to bring out all of the flavors of other ingredients and balances out the sweet.

    Powdered sugar: An option to finish it off with a little dusting. Adds a little something extra to an already beautiful presentation.

    How to Make this Recipe

    This recipe requires 4 steps. Mixing and baking the crust and then the filling. That’s it! It’s perfect for beginners and anyone who needs a quick dessert for unexpected guests!

    Step 1: In a medium, bowl, blend ingredients for the crust using an electric mixer, (you can also use a food processor)

    Step 2: Transfer mixture to a 11×7 baking dish lined with parchment paper or greased with spray oil and press into the bottom of the pan. Then bake until crust is lightly golden brown.

    lemon bar crust and bars process in a 11 x 7-inch baking dish

    Step 3: While crust bakes, combine ingredients for the lemon filling in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer and blend on high speed. Remove the crust from the oven and spread filling across entire surface of the warm crust.

    Step 4: Bake for 25 minutes. Remove and allow cooling in the pan. Slice and serve with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.

    lemon bars on a white table cut into nine squares - some topped with powdered sugar and some topped with lemon slices

    Variations/Substitutions

    1: Add a little vanilla into your shortbread crust. It adds a little extra familiar flavor. 

    2: Alternative citrus flavors such as lime and orange are a different flavor that would work just as well in this recipe.

    Tips

    Chill before serving. Allow it to set completely before serving, it makes for easy slicing.

    Use a sharp knife for clean edges.

    You may find using a metal baking tin leaves a bit of a metallic taste when mixing with the lemon. It is recommended that you use a glass pan instead.

    Use a square baking pan or a 9 x 13-inch pan if desired.

    Freshly squeezed lemon gives a different flavor than lemon juice from a bottle. Avoid the store bought stuff if you can.

    It’s definitely not a must, but sifting the flour and sugar together before adding to the mixture is a sure way to avoid flour lumps in your lemon topping.

    FAQ’s

    How to Store?

    Keep these bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve you can do so chilled right from the fridge or bring to room temperature first.

    If you’ve got leftovers or you’ve made an extra batch, these lemon squares are very freezer friendly. Once they’re completely cooled, wrap in aluminum foil and place in a plastic sealed bag or airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to 3 months.

    How do I know my lemon squares are done?

    If you’re unsure whether your squares have baked long enough, carefully give the dish a little shake. If the filling is no longer jiggly, it means it has set and you’re good to take it out.

    several lemon bars on white parchment paper, some topped with powdered sugar

    Classic Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

    This simple yet classic Lemon Bars recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart and the homemade shortbread crust just melts in your mouth.
    5 from 4 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 202kcal
    Author: Sherri Hagymas

    Ingredients

    Crust

    • 1 cup all purpose flour or gluten free flour if desired
    • ½ cup butter 1 stick
    • ¼ cup sugar

    Filling

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 eggs lightly beaten
    • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
    • 2 tablespoon all purpose flour or gluten free flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Powdered sugar optional

    Instructions

    Crust

    • Blend ingredients together and press unto an 11 x 7 baking dish
    • Bake at 325 F for about 20 minutes or until lightly brown.

    Filling

    • Combine ingredients in a bowl and beat until well blended.
    • Spread over the hot baked crust
    • Bake at 325 F for 25 minutes.
    • Cool in pan.
    • Cut into squares.
    • Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

    Notes

    Cool completely prior to slicing.
    Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the curst if desired.
    Nutritional information does not include added powdered sugar topping.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1bar | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @ToSimplyInspire or tag #ToSimplyInspire!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected

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    Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mona Hall

      December 09, 2022 at 11:43 pm

      I will love the lemon bars I make my lemon pies this way except for the crust I make gram cracker crust.

      Reply
    2. Andrea Fogleman

      January 29, 2015 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      I’m not a huge fan of tart sweets either. I have a major sweet tooth. Thanks for sharing with Scraptastic Saturdays.

      Reply
    3. Jann Olson

      January 26, 2015 at 9:54 pm

      I love lemon bars! One of my favorite desserts. I would choose them over chocolate any day! Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
      hugs,
      Jann

      Reply
    4. Miz Helen

      January 26, 2015 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      Your Lemon Squares look awesome. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
      Come Back Soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    5. Christie

      January 26, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Sounds delicious! I’ve pinned it so I can make these later. Thanks so much for linking up at the Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party last week. Please come back again this week…we’d love to know what you’ve been up to. The party starts at 10pm. I hope to see you there!

      Reply
    6. Kate

      January 25, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      These look right up my street, will defintley be making these. I’m being very pin happy with all the lovely recipes being shared on Nifty thrifty Sunday

      Reply
    7. Karly

      January 24, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      This looks like my kind of dessert! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

      Reply
    8. Lou Lou Girls

      January 24, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      You always bring the most delicious things to our party! Thank you. Pinned and tweeted. We feel honored that you take the time to stop by our party. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls

      Reply
    9. Stephanie

      January 24, 2015 at 10:40 am

      I love a good lemon square! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!

      Reply
    10. Emily, Our house now a home

      January 22, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      I will have to give these a try, they look great. Thank you for linking up at Pin worthy Wednesday, this has been pinned.

      Reply
    11. Pam@over50feeling40

      January 22, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      Love lemon squares and this looks like a keeper recipe! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!

      Reply
    12. Diane Weeks

      January 21, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Hi Sherri, these square look delicious! I love lemon. I’ve pinned them to make later. Blessings, Diane

      Reply
    13. Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

      January 20, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      Visiting from Treasure Box Tuesday. Lemon and shortbread are favourites of mine, these squares look brilliant! I would love for you to stop by and share this and other recipes with us over at Sweet and Savoury Sunday. Have a great day!

      Reply
    14. Su-sieee! Mac

      January 19, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      Yum, yum! I’m pinning it to try. Thank you!

      Reply

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    Sherri Hagymas leaning on a counter with a white coffee mug

    Hi there! I’m Sherri I love creating a variety of easy recipes that anyone can make and enjoy! From healthy to comforting, I hope you find something that inspires you!.

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