The Best Lemon Bars

4.46 from 211 votes

A sweet shortbread crust is topped with a thick layer of luscious lemon filling, then dusted with powdered sugar for practically perfect lemon bars.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 506kcal

Author: Danelle

Ingredients

For the crust:

3 sticks 3/4 lb. butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

6 eggs room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan, then line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper. This is optional but will make removing the bars from the pan much easier.
Make the crust by creaming the butter, sugar and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour.
Using your hands, press the dough into the bottom of prepared pan. Chill the pan while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake the crust for 20–25 minutes, until very lightly browned. (Updated: In earlier versions, I suggested 15 minutes, but many readers have found their crust needs closer to 25–30 minutes. Ovens vary, so watch for golden edges rather than relying only on the timer.)
Once the crust is lightly browned, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust and bake for about 35 minutes, until filling is set. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least one hour.
Cut into squares and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Note: In a previous version of this recipe, the crust bake time was listed as 12-15 minutes. Based on reader feedback, many bakers found their crust needed closer to 25–30 minutes. I’ve adjusted the recipe accordingly, but always use visual cues (lightly golden edges, firm set) as your best guide.

Nutrition