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
Scale
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.
