Tangy, Buttery Lemon Bars That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

When life gives you lemons, skip the lemonade and bake these lemon bars instead. With a crisp shortbread base and a silky lemon filling that hits the perfect balance of tart and sweet, this dessert delivers sunshine in every bite. They’re bright, bold, and ridiculously easy to make—everything you want from a citrusy treat.

Why You’ll Love These

Lemon bars are deceptively simple but leave a lasting impression. The buttery crust holds firm under a soft, tangy lemon curd layer that sets just right. They’re ideal for spring gatherings, potlucks, or a solo afternoon pick-me-up with coffee. Plus, they store beautifully in the fridge.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep and Pre-Bake the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly but combined. Press evenly into the pan.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while you make the filling.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

Whisk sugar and flour together, then add eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until smooth and pour over the warm crust.

3. Bake Again

Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is just set. The center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

4. Cool and Slice

Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours for clean slicing. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

Use fresh lemons—bottled juice just doesn’t hit the same.
Want extra tang? Add a pinch of salt to the filling.
For ultra-sharp edges, wipe your knife between slices.

Final Thoughts

Lemon bars are proof that a simple recipe can still steal the show. With a buttery crunch, zingy lemon layer, and a dusting of powdered sugar snow, they’re sweet, satisfying, and just the right amount of sassy.