Tangy and smooth lemon custard rests atop a buttery, tender crust, with a perfectly golden caramelized top. These luscious lemon bars offer a bright citrus flavor balanced by a soft and creamy texture—ideal for a refreshing dessert or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a classic lemon bar with a delicate balance of tartness and sweetness. The buttery crust provides a sturdy yet tender base for the luscious lemon filling, which sets to a smooth custard with a vibrant citrus punch. Quick to prepare and baked in one pan, these lemon bars make an excellent treat for gatherings or a refreshing everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the lemon filling:
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. To prepare the crust, mix the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and golden on top.
5. Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Refrigerate for a firmer texture if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 16 bars
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes (total for crust and filling)
Cooling time: At least 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving for a classic finish.
• Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the lemon filling for extra depth of flavor.
• Use a graham cracker crust instead of the traditional butter crust for a different texture.
• Mix in fresh raspberries or blueberries on top before baking for a fruity twist.
• Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon to create zesty lime bars.

Storage/Reheating

Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the custard filling.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I know when the lemon filling is fully set?

The filling should be slightly firm to the touch and not jiggle excessively when the pan is gently shaken.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before slicing?

Refrigerating helps the filling set more firmly, making slicing easier and cleaner.

Can I prepare lemon bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored refrigerated until serving.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the crust before adding the filling helps create a barrier that prevents sogginess.

Can I freeze lemon bars?

Lemon bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use less sugar for a more tart flavor?

You can reduce sugar slightly, but balance with lemon juice to maintain texture and flavor.

What pan size is best for this recipe?

An 8×8-inch pan is recommended for the best thickness and baking time.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Bars are a timeless dessert combining bright citrus flavors with a tender buttery crust. Simple to make and wonderfully refreshing, they suit any occasion from casual snacks to elegant gatherings. With easy preparation and delightful results, these lemon bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Creamy Lemon Bars

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9-12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Une crème anglaise acidulée et onctueuse repose sur une croûte fondante et beurrée, avec un dessus caramélisé parfaitement doré. Ces succulentes barres au citron offrent une saveur vive d’agrumes équilibrée par une texture douce et crémeuse, idéales pour un dessert ou un en-cas rafraîchissant.

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Ingredients

• Pour la croûte :
• 1 tasse de farine tout usage
• 1/4 tasse de sucre en poudre
• 1/2 tasse de beurre non salé, ramolli
• Pour la garniture au citron :
• 1 tasse de sucre granulé
• 3 gros œufs
• 1/4 tasse de farine tout usage
• 1/2 tasse de jus de citron fraîchement pressé
• Zeste de 1 citron
• Une pincée de sel

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Instructions

1. Préchauffer le four à 175 °C (350 °F). Tapisser un moule de 20 x 20 cm de papier sulfurisé, en laissant dépasser pour faciliter le démoulage.
2. Pour la pâte, mélanger la farine et le sucre glace dans un saladier. Incorporer le beurre jusqu’à obtenir une pâte granuleuse. Presser uniformément dans le moule préparé. Enfourner 15 minutes jusqu’à ce que la pâte soit légèrement dorée.
3. Pendant que la croûte cuit, fouettez ensemble le sucre, les œufs, la farine, le jus de citron, le zeste de citron et le sel jusqu’à consistance lisse.
4. Versez la garniture au citron sur la croûte chaude et faites cuire pendant 20 à 25 minutes supplémentaires jusqu’à ce que la garniture soit prise et dorée sur le dessus.
5. Laissez refroidir complètement dans le moule avant de couper en carrés. Réfrigérez si vous le souhaitez pour une texture plus ferme.

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Notes

• Utilisez du jus et du zeste de citron frais pour une meilleure saveur.
• Laissez les barres refroidir complètement pour garantir un tranchage propre.
• Réfrigérer pour raffermir les barres au citron si vous préférez une texture plus dense.
• Conservez les restes dans un récipient hermétique au réfrigérateur jusqu’à 3 jours.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg