![- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder These ingredients are the heart of my classic lemon bars. Each one plays a big role. The all-purpose flour gives structure. Powdered sugar makes the crust sweet and soft. Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. Fresh lemon juice brings the tartness we love. The zest gives a bright, fragrant note. - Additional lemon zest for garnish - Fresh berries for serving These optional ingredients can take your lemon bars to the next level. Extra lemon zest adds a pop of color and flavor on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries can provide a nice contrast. They look pretty and taste great with the tangy bars. For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, refer to the [Full Recipe]. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon salt Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. 3. Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish. Make sure it covers the whole bottom. 4. Bake the crust for about 15-18 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. 5. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Whisk until smooth and combined. 1. Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust. Spread it evenly. 2. Return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes. Look for a light golden color to know it’s done. 3. After baking, let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. 4. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing. You can find the full recipe details for these tangy treats in the recipe section. Enjoy your lemon bars! To get the perfect crust, start with cold butter. Cut it into small cubes, then mix with flour and sugar. This keeps the crust flaky. Press the mixture firmly, but not too hard. You want it to hold together without being dense. Bake until it turns light golden. This takes about 15 to 18 minutes. Let the crust cool for a bit before adding the filling. Cooling helps the crust stay crisp. If you skip this step, the filling may make the crust soggy. When measuring lemon juice, use fresh lemons for the best taste. Roll the lemons on the counter before cutting. This helps release more juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds or pulp. Make sure to whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth. This ensures a creamy filling. When pouring the filling over the crust, do it gently. This helps keep the layers separate. Bake until the filling is set, about 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should look firm, while the center can still have a little jiggle. Dusting with powdered sugar should be light and even. Use a fine sieve for the best results. Hold it high above the bars to create an even layer. Lemon bars pair well with beverages like tea or lemonade. The tartness of the bars complements sweet drinks well. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the amounts. These flours may need more liquid. For the filling, ensure the granulated sugar and eggs are gluten-free. Most lemon juice is gluten-free, but check the label. This will keep the lemon bars safe for all to enjoy. To add a twist, try herbs like basil. Basil pairs well with lemon's tang. Simply chop fresh basil finely and mix it into the filling. This will give a fresh, unique flavor. You can also use other citrus juices. Lime or orange juice can replace some lemon juice. This gives the bars a new taste. Mix and match for your favorite flavor! If you want bite-sized treats, use a mini muffin tin. Grease the tin well to prevent sticking. Pour the filling into each cup, filling them halfway. Adjust the baking time to around 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Mini lemon bars are perfect for parties or snacks. For the full recipe and to discover more about classic lemon bars, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your classic lemon bars fresh at room temperature, let them cool completely. Once cool, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. Avoid stacking them to prevent sticking. If you dust them with powdered sugar, do this just before serving to keep it pretty. If you want to save lemon bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, take out the number of bars you want. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick treat, you can also thaw them at room temperature. Lemon bars last about a week in the fridge. Keep them covered to stay fresh. If you see any mold or notice an off smell, it’s best to throw them away. Enjoy your lemon bars while they are still bright and zesty! Yes, you can make lemon bars ahead of time. To do this, bake and cool them fully. Then, cover them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Just remember to thaw them slowly in the fridge before serving. Look for a light golden top and a firm filling. The edges should look set. If you gently shake the pan, the filling should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. This means the bars are done. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can lead to dry lemon bars. Yes, you can use lime, orange, or grapefruit juice. Each citrus brings a unique flavor. Lime gives a more tropical taste, while orange adds sweetness. Adjust the sugar as needed, as some citrus can be sweeter than lemon. If your lemon bars taste too tart, you can add more sugar next time. If they are too sweet, cut back on the sugar or use less lemon juice. Finding the right balance is key for a perfect flavor. Taste as you mix to get it just right. To cut lemon bars cleanly, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting. This helps reduce sticking. Cut the bars while they are chilled for cleaner edges. Dust with powdered sugar after cutting for a beautiful finish. For a detailed recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Classic lemon bars are a sweet and tangy treat. They have a buttery crust and a smooth lemon filling. You can make them with just a few simple ingredients. The magic lies in the balance of flavors. The tartness of lemons pairs perfectly with the sweet sugar. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Each ingredient plays a key role. The all-purpose flour forms the crust. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and a soft texture. Unsalted butter makes the crust rich. Salt enhances the flavors. The eggs bind the filling together. Granulated sugar sweetens the tart lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. Lemon zest adds extra citrus aroma. Baking powder helps the filling rise slightly. The filling is the star of the show. Start with whisking the eggs and sugars until smooth. This step is important for a creamy texture. Next, add the fresh lemon juice and zest. They bring a burst of flavor. Finally, mix in the baking powder. This ensures your filling sets well. Once your crust is ready, pour the lemon filling over it. Bake it until the filling is set. You want it to be a light golden color. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan. This helps them firm up. When cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. You can find the Full Recipe for this delicious treat. Enjoy every bite of this tangy delight! Lemon bars are easy to make with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and fresh lemons. We covered step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect crust and filling. Plus, I shared tips for variations, storage, and serving suggestions. With this guide, you can enjoy classic lemon bars or explore new flavors. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy your baking journey, and savor every bite of your delicious lemon bars!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/876badc6-c4a7-41ec-9b1b-73cfd844858e-250x250.webp)
Classic Lemon Bars
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Sunshine Lemon Bars that are sure to brighten your day! With a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delightful treat that serves 9-12 people. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a slice of sunshine anytime! Don't miss out on this delicious dessert!