Lemon Bars

These homemade lemon bars are made with a buttery crust, topped with a tangy lemon filling, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Crust

1 cup butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Lemon Filling

4 large eggs well beaten
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Topping

powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
In a medium bowl, combine butter, powdered sugar, and flour. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the Crust:
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, baking powder, and flour. Stir until smooth and well-combined. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add lemon zest to the mixture.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust.
Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a firmer filling: If you prefer a firmer lemon filling, add a bit more flour (up to 1/4 cup more) or reduce the baking time slightly for a more custard-like texture.
Make Ahead: These lemon bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight. They’ll set perfectly and are even more delicious the next day.