Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

Easy Lemon Bars are a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are refreshing, sweet, and just the right amount of tart, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Lemon Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients together in a food processor.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3. Make the Lemon Filling:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth and combined.
• Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest (if using) until fully incorporated.

4. Bake the Lemon Bars:

• Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer wobbles when gently shaken. It should be slightly golden on top.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

5. Serve:

• Once the bars are fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut them into squares or rectangles.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Make it ahead: These lemon bars can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Customize: Add more lemon zest to the filling for an extra lemony kick, or mix a little vanilla extract into the filling for added flavor.
• For a thicker crust: If you prefer a thicker crust, use a slightly smaller pan (e.g., 8×8-inch) or increase the amount of butter and flour for the crust.

These Easy Lemon Bars are bright, refreshing, and the perfect dessert to bring to any gathering or to enjoy at home. The buttery crust combined with the tart lemon filling is always a hit!