Very Best Lemon Bars

5 from 6 votes
17 Comments

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These Lemon Bars are a tart, yummy dessert with a tangy lemon layer, cookie crust and dusting of powdered sugar. A real summer treat!

A Lemon Bar with a bite taken out of the middle

Light and Bright Lemon Bars

These luscious lemon bars are a family favorite during summer months. They’re so bright, tangy, chewy and yummy; a perfect treat for warm summer nights on the patio. I remember trying to make my mom’s recipe for these lemon bars several times when I was in high school, and I could never get it quite right. Practice makes perfect, after all, so I kept at it. And now that I’ve figured out my mistakes, I have master the art of these lemon bars and made it much easier for you! When life gives you lemons, save a couple for this scrumptious lemon bar recipe. You’re welcome.

A white tray with three lemon bars in a row

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bars

  • This recipe provides the perfect ratio of buttery crust to bright, lemony filling. Make sure to press the crust down firmly so it doesn’t overpower the lemon flavor.
  • Use very cold margarine or butter when making the crust, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend it in with the flour. Cold butter makes light layers of crust which tastes airy and just the perfect amount of crisp yet tender.
  • Bake lemon bars in a glass pan, as metal pans can give the bar cookies a slightly metallic taste.
  • Use a good quality cooking spray or even parchment paper to line the bottom of the glass baking pan. They’ll come out easily without breaking. Part of a good lemon bar is the presentation, after all.
  • These bars can be served warm or cold. I love them after they’ve refrigerated for a few hours, which allows them to set up beautifully and let the flavors settle all together.
  • Try to use fresh lemons for this recipe. Not only will you be able to grate some fresh lemon zest from the rind, but fresh lemon juice tastes so much better and brighter than the bottled stuff.
  • To get the maximum juice out of your lemons, either roll them on the counter with your hand for a few seconds, or microwave them for about ten seconds. You’ll be amazed how juicy those lemons can be!
  • Don’t forget a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. The sugar kind of melts into the lemon filling, making a golden, sweet crust on top that complements the tangy lemon. These are so delicious!
A square white plate with a lemon bar on it

More Delightful Bar Recipes

If you love bar cookie recipes as much as we do, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered a few of our favorite tried and true treats right here for you to try:

How to Make Lemon Bars

A square white plate with a lemon bar on it

The Very Best Lemon Bars

5 from 6 votes
Lemon Bars are a tart,yummy dessert with a tangy lemon layer, cookie crust and dusting of powdered sugar. A real summer treat!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 bars

Video

Equipment

  • Conventional Oven
  • 9 X 13 inch Pan

Ingredients

CRUST:

LEMON FILLING:

Instructions

FOR THE CRUST:

  • Mix with pastry blender til crumbly, then press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan lined with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until slightly brown.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING:

  • Mix and pour over pre-baked crust. Bake 20 minutes at 350. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow bars to cool before cutting and serving.

Notes

Recipe Tips:

  • This recipe provides the perfect ratio of buttery crust to bright, lemony filling. Make sure to press the crust down firmly so it doesn’t overpower the lemon flavor.
  • Use very cold margarine or butter when making the crust, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend it in with the flour. Cold butter makes light layers of crust which tastes airy and just the perfect amount of crisp yet tender.
  • Bake lemon bars in a glass pan, as metal pans can give the bar cookies a slightly metallic taste.
  • Use a good quality cooking spray or even parchment paper to line the bottom of the glass baking pan. They’ll come out easily without breaking. Part of a good lemon bar is the presentation, after all.
  • These bars can be served warm or cold. I love them after they’ve refrigerated for a few hours, which allows them to set up beautifully and let the flavors settle all together.
  • Try to use fresh lemons for this recipe. Not only will you be able to grate some fresh lemon zest from the rind, but fresh lemon juice tastes so much better and brighter than the bottled stuff.
  • To get the maximum juice out of your lemons, either roll them on the counter with your hand for a few seconds, or microwave them for about ten seconds. You’ll be amazed how juicy those lemons can be!
  • Don’t forget a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. The sugar kind of melts into the lemon filling, making a golden, sweet crust on top that complements the tangy lemon. These are so delicious!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 330IUVitamin C: 1.9mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.8mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are so delicious! Followed the recipe to the T and got perfect lemon bars. I highly recommend this recipe, one of the best lemon bars that I have tried.

  2. 5 stars
    It’s one of the easiest and loveliest recipes I’ve ever seen <3 I've gotta try all your delightful bar recipes for my family! <3 <3

  3. Self rising or all purpose flour? I’m assuming self rising since no baking powder or baking soda. Thanks 🙂

  4. Hello, Thanks for this recipe. One question, what means : ” c” in “1 c. margarine” or “2 c. flour” ? is it “cup” ? and for a french girl what does it mean in grams ? thank you for the answer.