Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

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If you’re on the lookout for a bright, tangy dessert that’s as delightful as it is timeless, you absolutely must try this Classic Lemon Bars Recipe. It perfectly balances a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious, zesty lemon filling that simply melts in your mouth. These lemon bars are refreshingly tart yet sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether a casual afternoon gathering or a festive celebration. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe remains a cherished favorite for generations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Classic Lemon Bars Recipe starts with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fragrant lemon zest to the crisp powdered sugar dusting, every element enhances the texture, taste, and refreshing character of these bars.

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet tender crust that holds the lemon filling perfectly.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds a subtle lightness and helps create that coveted flaky texture in the crust.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust gently while contributing to a smooth surface.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Introduces a hint of vibrant lemon aroma directly into the crust.
• 1 cup cold butter (2 sticks): The source of richness and flakiness, cold butter is essential for the perfect crust texture.
• 6 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and a silky texture to the luscious lemon custard topping.
• 2 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Stabilizes the lemon layer for clean, neat slices.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Keeps the filling flavorful and well-rounded.
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Powers up the fresh citrus punch in the filling for that unmistakable lemon burst.
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for naturally bright acidity that wakes up your palate.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch adding a delicate sweetness and an inviting look to your lemon bars.

How to Make Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13 inch glass or ceramic pan with parchment paper to ensure your lemon bars don’t stick and come out beautifully intact. If you don’t have parchment, greasing the pan with butter or nonstick spray works well too.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. This combination forms the base of your crust, offering both structure and a whisper of fresh citrus brightness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Use a pastry cutter or a butter knife to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. You want the butter pieces to be about pea-sized, as this chunkiness creates pockets of flakiness once baked. The mixture should be crumbly and dry at this stage.

Step 4: Chill the Crust

Press the butter-flour mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Then chill it—either freeze for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 30. Keeping the butter cold is key for that flaky, tender crust everyone loves.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chilled crust for 24-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges with a matte, set surface. Let it cool to room temperature before moving on to the lemon custard layer.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Filling

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the eggs thoroughly with granulated sugar, flour, salt, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice for about 2 minutes. Scrape the sides to ensure everything is combined into a silky, fragrant custard.

Step 7: Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once your crust is cool, carefully pour the lemon custard mixture evenly on top. This delicate step sets you up for those perfectly layered lemon bars.

Step 8: Bake Until Set

Bake everything together at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. The edges should look firm and may be slightly darker, while the center remains just a bit wiggly—this signals a tender, luscious filling that will firm up as it cools.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. This step is crucial to help the custard fully set for clean slicing.

Step 10: Slice and Dust

Using a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts), slice the lemon bars into 24 squares. Trim the edges if you like a neater look. Finish by dusting the tops generously with powdered sugar using a sieve for that classic, inviting presentation.

How to Serve Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar dusting is traditional and absolutely delightful, you can jazz up your lemon bars with a few fresh mint leaves or thin lemon slices for a pop of color. A light drizzle of raspberry coulis can add a lovely fruity compliment that enhances the tartness.

Side Dishes

These lemon bars are perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent finish. For a tea party vibe, serve with a pot of hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the citrus zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer them in your dessert buffet in mini mason jars topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of zest. Or cut into mini bite-sized squares for easy finger foods at cocktail parties. Their vibrant appearance and familiar taste make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and chilled, store your leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

Lemon bars freeze well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and give the powdered sugar a fresh dust once thawed.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer a warmer bite, briefly place them in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 5-7 minutes, but be careful not to melt the powdered sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I make the crust gluten-free for this Classic Lemon Bars Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain structure and flakiness.

How do I get the filling to set properly without overbaking?

Watch for the filling edges to become firm while the center remains slightly wiggly. It will continue to firm as it cools and chills. Removing too early may cause a runny center, but overbaking can dry it out, so the key is to keep a close eye in the last minutes of baking.

Is fresh lemon juice necessary, or can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference with its bright, natural flavor and vibrant acidity. Bottled juice tends to be less fresh-tasting and can alter the brightness, so for the best results, always use fresh lemons.

Can I prepare this recipe without an electric mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer speeds things up, you can beat the filling mixture by hand with a whisk. Just make sure to whisk vigorously to fully combine the eggs and sugar for a smooth, airy filling.

Why does the crust need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the crust helps keep the butter cold and solid, which creates steam pockets when baked. This process results in a flaky, tender crust rather than a dense or greasy one.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Lemon Bars Recipe is truly one of those feel-good desserts that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, wonderfully refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or sharing with friends and family, these lemon bars will bring smiles and brighten any day. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a little lemony sunshine on your kitchen counter!

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