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lemon bars on a blue dish
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5 from 46 votes

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

The best lemon bars you'll ever have, and super easy recipe to follow!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Resting Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: 158kcal
Author: Hilda Sterner

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • zest of one lemon

Lemon Layer:

  • 5 large eggs
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • zest of 2 lemons
  • cups lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • cup half and half
  • teaspoon sea salt

Misc.

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare Shortbread Crust | Preheat oven to 350℉

  • Whisk flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until combined then add to a food processor. Add cubed butter and lemon zest and pulse until crumbly.
  • Pour the mixture into a parchment paper lined 9x13 baking dish. Compress the mixture to create the crust, then bake for 20 minutes or until golden around the edges.

Prepare Lemon Filling

  • Beat eggs with an electric mixture. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Add flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, half and half, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.
  •  If the lemon filling has settled, whisk, then pour over the hot crust.
  • Pour the lemon topping mixture over the hot crust. 
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the lemon-custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool completely before storing it in the fridge. Allow to set for at least a couple of hours.
  • Sift powdered sugar over the lemon bars, then slice using a sharp, dampened knife.

Notes

    • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
    • A lumpier crust holds the lemon topping better, however, if you prefer the crust smoother, just compress it with the bottom of a drinking glass.
    • Hide any imperfections on the top (like the white air bubbles that rise to the surface with powdered sugar).
    • Use a sharp knife to slice lemon bars with one long slice for each cut you make, then lift the lemon bars out with a metal spatula.
    • Store lemon bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
    • Freeze leftover lemon bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 54mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 15g