🍳DailyRecipes
Dessert

Classic Zesty Lemon Bars

These tangy and buttery lemon bars are the perfect crowd pleasing treat for any gathering.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 23, 2026
Classic Zesty Lemon Bars
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
55 minutes
Serves
16

There is nothing quite like the bright flavor of a homemade lemon bar to lift your spirits. The buttery shortbread base pairs beautifully with the tart citrus filling, creating a dessert that feels special but is actually quite simple to put together in your favorite pan.

I love making these for weekend potlucks because they travel well and everyone asks for the recipe. My top tip is to make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start the base so it mixes perfectly into a nice smooth dough.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Mix the softened butter, half cup of sugar, two cups of flour, and salt together until a soft dough forms.

  3. 3

    Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. 4

    While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, one and a half cups of sugar, quarter cup of flour, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.

  5. 5

    Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust as soon as you take it out of the oven.

  6. 6

    Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until the center is set.

  7. 7

    Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before dusting the top with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.

💡 Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to five days. If you want cleaner edges when slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between each cut.

#lemon bars#dessert#baking#citrus#sweets

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