If you adore the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet indulgence, this Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a buttery, tender crust topped with a luscious, zesty lemon filling, all dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar that adds just the right touch of sweetness. These bars are a classic dessert that effortlessly combines bright flavors with a comforting texture, making them ideal for everything from afternoon tea to festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds — maybe even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just simple, quality ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each element plays a crucial role — from the buttery richness of the crust to the fresh zing of lemon juice and zest — making the magic happen in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This provides a rich, tender base for the crust that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for crust, 1 1/2 cups for filling): Sweetens both layers perfectly, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups for crust, 1/4 cup for filling): Gives structure to the crust and helps thicken the lemon filling.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making them pop without being noticeable.
- Large eggs (4): Create a silky, dense filling that holds together beautifully when baked.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2/3 cup): The star ingredient, lending a bright, refreshing tartness.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Adds an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For the finishing touch, a delicate dusting that makes these bars irresistible.
How to Make Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a 9×13-inch pan with either a light grease or a parchment paper lining—this ensures your bars slide out easily later on. Cream together the softened butter and ½ cup sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then, add the 2 cups of flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into your pan, creating a solid base that bakes to a beautiful golden edge in about 18 to 20 minutes. The crust’s buttery texture is the perfect foundation, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Whisk the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and ¼ cup flour in a large bowl. Crack in the 4 eggs and add the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the tablespoon of lemon zest. Whisk everything vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This mixture is what gives the bars their signature tangy and custardy filling, so make sure it’s well blended.
Step 3: Bake the Filling on the Hot Crust
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, pour the lemon filling evenly over it. This immediate transfer lets the filling start to set against the warm crust, creating a lovely fusion of textures. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center — that perfect wobble means your bars will be wonderfully creamy rather than rubbery.
Step 4: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Now, patience is key! Allow your lemon bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the bars firm up for clean slicing. Once they’re fully cooled, generously dust the entire surface with powdered sugar. The sweet white coating not only looks stunning but also mellows the tartness beautifully, finishing off this classic dessert just right.
How to Serve Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Although the powdered sugar dusting is delightfully simple, you can elevate your Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe by adding a few creative garnishes. A sprinkling of finely chopped fresh mint or a thin lemon slice placed on each bar brightens up the presentation and adds a fresh aroma. For a more decadent touch, consider a drizzle of white chocolate or a few fresh raspberries on top for a pop of color and complementary flavor.
Side Dishes
These lemon bars shine best when paired with light, refreshing sides that won’t overpower their citrus charm. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the slice transforms it into a dreamy dessert experience. You might even serve your bars with a cup of strong black coffee or a tall glass of iced tea to balance the tart and sweet beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! After dusting with powdered sugar, try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and stacking them on a pretty cake stand for a charming party display. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely homemade gift. You could also make mini versions in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned treats that are easy to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked lemon bars, you’ll want to keep the extras tasting just as good. Store your leftover Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them cool ensures the filling stays firm and the crust remains delightfully crisp around the edges.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance or save some for later indulgence, lemon bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for that fresh-baked experience all over again.
Reheating
While lemon bars are typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent a rubbery texture, and remember to add the powdered sugar last if you warm them after dusting.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe because it provides a bright, natural flavor and zest that bottled juice often lacks. However, in a pinch, you can use bottled juice but consider adding a touch more lemon zest to boost the citrus punch.
Why is my lemon filling too runny?
If your filling comes out runny, it might need a bit more baking time or the eggs weren’t whisked in thoroughly. Make sure to use the exact measurements of flour and bake until the center just starts to set with a slight jiggle—it will firm up as it cools.
How do I get clean edges when slicing?
For neat slices, chill the bars completely in the refrigerator after baking and before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe benefits greatly from a bit of patience here!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both crust and filling with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it okay to add more lemon zest for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Adding more lemon zest can enhance the citrus aroma and flavor, giving your Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe an even more vibrant punch. Just be careful not to overdo it, so the balance between sweet and tart stays perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about homemade lemon bars that never gets old. This Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe is straightforward enough for weekday baking yet special enough to impress guests. Their perfect blend of buttery crust, tangy filling, and sweet powdered sugar topping guarantees smiles all around. So go ahead and give these bars a try — I promise your kitchen will fill with sunshine, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar are a perfectly tangy and sweet dessert, featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious lemon filling. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they offer a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the 2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. This sets the crust so it supports the lemon filling.
- Make the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Add the 4 large eggs, 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Whisk until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Add filling and bake: Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar. For best results, chill before slicing into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Chill the bars before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater edges.
- For extra tangy flavor, add a pinch of citric acid or increase the lemon zest in the filling.
- Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
