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    Home » Brownies & Bars

    Creamy Lemon Bars

    March 1, 2022 by Ginger Snap 9 Comments

    *This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Creamy Lemon Bars have the perfect flavor combination of tart and sweet. Made with a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious lemon curd filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar sprinkled over the top, these lemon bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

    fresh lemon bars with lemons.

    This recipe was originally published in March of 2020, but was updated on March 1, 2022 with newer content and fresh pictures.

    What makes lemon bars so amazing? Two things: the crust and the lemon filling. The shortbread crust is super buttery and has a touch of sweetness from the vanilla extract.

    The lemon filling is bright, tart, and creamy, making it pair perfectly with the crust.

    Looking for more lemon desserts? Then check out these: mini lemon cheesecakes, lemon sugar cookies, and lemon sheet cake.

    lemon bar filling.

    Why You'll Love These Bars

    • The tangy lemon filling includes both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
    • It has a buttery shortbread crust.
    • The sweetness from the crust and the tartness from the filling pairs so well together.
    • They're easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool.
    • You won't have any leftovers--they're that good!

    If you're looking for a bright and refreshing treat this Sping or Summer, then these creamy lemon squares should be on your baking list!

    Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or even some homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

    lemon squares stacked.

    Expert Baking Tips

    1. Baking Pan: Line your 8x8-inch baking pan with foil, allowing a little to come up the sides. This will help with removing the bars. Then generously spray the foil and the sides of the pan with non-stick spray.
    1. Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for this recipe. It has the best flavor, plus you'll need the zest as well. You'll need about 3 medium-sized lemons.
    1. Lemon Squeezer: I highly recommend this lemon squeezer. It's a lifesaver for me when I bake anything with lemons! Plus, you can use it for other citrus' too.
    1. Oven Temperature: The shortbread crust will be baked at 350 degrees. We will then lower the temperature to 325 degrees when the lemon layer is added to the crust. This helps the lemon filling to not overcook.

    Ingredients Needed

    Here are some notes on the ingredients we'll be using. For the full ingredients list, look at the recipe card below.

    • All-Purpose Flour: The base and structure for the crust. A little is used in the lemon filling for thickness.
    • Unsalted Butter: This gives the shortbread crust a delicious buttery flavor. We will use melted butter.
    • Baking Powder: Helps the bars to slightly rise when baking.
    • Lemons: Using both fresh lemon juice and zest will provide a very lemony filling. Do not use store-bought lemon juice
    • Eggs: 3 large eggs are used to provide body to the filling.
    Ingredients needed: flour, eggs, sugar, salt, butter, baking powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemons.

    Instructions

    Here are the step by step instructions on how to make these lemon squares.

    Step 1: Shortbread crust. Combine the flour, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Then press the crust into the prepared baking pan and bake for 16-20 minutes.

    • mixing together the shortbread crust.
    • shortbread crust ready to bake.

    Step 2: Make the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs until combined.

    Step 3: Bake. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the middle is set.

    • lemon filling ingredients.
    • lemon filling mixed together in a bowl.
    • lemon filling ready to bake.

    Step 4: Cool the bars. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour at room temperature and then for an additional 2 hours in the refrigerator.

    Step 5: Serve. Dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled and slice into bars.

    Storing Tips

    Keep any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Do You Know When Lemon Bars Are Done Baking?

    They're done baking when the middle is set and doesn't jiggle when moved.

    Do Lemon Bars Have To Be Refrigerated?

    Yes they do. They're also best when served cold.

    What Is The Best Way To Cut Lemon Bars?

    I like to use a pastry scraper to get clean and even cuts, but you could also use a non serrated knife.

    lemon bars cut into squares.

    Happy baking!

    More Fruit Lover Recipes

    • Lime Bars
    • Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
    • Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
    • Raspberry Donuts

    Creamy Lemon Bars

    Karissa Parrish (Ginger Snap)
    These Creamy Lemon Bars have the perfect flavor combination of tart and sweet. Made with a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious lemon curd filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar sprinkled over the top, these lemon bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Cooling Time: 3 hrs
    Total Time 3 hrs 55 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 bars

    Equipment

    • 8x8 inch baking pan
    • Foil
    • Non-Stick Spray
    • Lemon Squeezer

    Ingredients:
      

    Shortbread Crust

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Lemon Filling

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 3 large eggs
    • powdered sugar, optional for dusting over cooled lemon bars

    Instructions:
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with foil, allowing a little to come up the sides. Then spray the sides of the pan and the foil with non-stick spray.

    Shortbread Crust

    • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt with a wooden or plastic spoon. Press the dough into the prepared pan with your fingers and bake for 16-20 minutes or until the edges start to turn light brown.

    Lemon Filling

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the eggs and whisk until combined.
    • When the crust is done, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the middle is set and does not jiggle when you move the pan. Let the lemon bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then place them into the refrigerator to cool for another 2 hours.
    • Once the bars are completely set and cooled, use the extra foil that is along the sides of the pan to pull the bars out. Dust the bars with powdered sugar and cut into bars. Use a butter knife or a serrated knife to cleanly cut the bars. Wipe the knife clean after each cut.
    • Keep any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Notes:

    Baking Pan: Line your 8x8-inch baking pan with foil, allowing a little to come up the sides. This will help with removing the bars. Then generously spray the foil and the sides of the pan with non-stick spray.
    Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for this recipe. It has the best flavor, plus you'll need the zest as well. You'll need about 3 medium-sized lemons.
    Lemon Squeezer: I highly recommend this lemon squeezer. It's a lifesaver for me when I bake anything with lemons! Plus, you can use it for other citrus' too.
    Oven Temperature: The shortbread crust will be baked at 350 degrees. We will then lower the temperature to 325 degrees when the lemon layer is added to the crust. This helps the lemon filling to not overcook.
    Keyword creamy lemon bars, lemon bars, lemon squares
    homemade lemon bars with a dusting of powdered sugar
    These easy to make lemon bars have a flavorful shortbread crust with a luscious lemony flavored filling. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser, these lemon bars will be swallowed up fast!
    « Maple Bundt Cake
    Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf with Yogurt »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. cheryl nokes

      March 29, 2020 at 9:10 am

      These are the best! Perfect in every way!

      Reply
      • Ginger Snap

        March 29, 2020 at 9:17 pm

        Thanks:)

        Reply
    2. judy COX

      March 30, 2020 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      Best Lemon Bars I have eaten. I simply cant seem to put them down once I start. The crust in yummy.

      Reply
      • Ginger Snap

        March 30, 2020 at 3:34 pm

        Oh why thank you:)

        Reply
    3. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady

      January 11, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love making lemon bars. These are the most requested desserts in my family.

      Reply
    4. Kalu Lor

      January 11, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      These lemon bars sound amazing. Can't wait to try the recipe.

      Reply
    5. Gabriela Herrera

      January 11, 2021 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      Can I just say wow. This dessert has always intimidated me and you make it so easy with the step by step instructions and the beautiful pictures. Thank you so much a must for my husband this Valentine's Day.

      Reply
      • Ginger Snap

        January 11, 2021 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you so much, Gabriela!!

        Reply
    6. Sarah

      January 12, 2021 at 10:21 am

      Omg, these look amazingly good! I haven't made lemon bars in so long but now I have to. I love lemon baked goods and know I will love these too!

      Reply

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    ABOUT KARISSA

    Hey, I'm Karissa, and I am the recipe developer, food photographer, and lover of all things desserts here at Ginger Snap's Baking Affairs. I love to create easy desserts that every home baker can make in their own kitchens!

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