Easy Recipe for Lemon Bars

I’m super excited to share an easy recipe for lemon bars that can be made in advance and then chilled, making them perfect for spring and summer.

Because they’re light and refreshing, they can also be enjoyed all year round. Best of all, this recipe is very simple and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make some delicious lemon bars, keep reading!

My no-bake lemon icebox pie was such a hit, so I decided to make this easy recipe for lemon bars. Y’all they are so good! You have to give them a try. 🙂

You can easily switch it out for another fruit filling if lemon is not your thing. Nothing like an easy recipe that you can make your own!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars

• They are easy to make
• Can be made in advance 
• Light and fresh
• Easy to find ingredients

Equipment Needed To Make Lemon Bars

• Mixing Bowls
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Kitchen Knife

These are a great summer treat with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Very decadent and always a hit. 

The serving size and number of servings depend on your container size and the amount you use.

Servings – 20 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 47 minutes
Inactive Time: 3 hours (time to cool)
Total Time: 4 hours and 7 minutes

Ingredients for Flaky Crust for Lemon Bars

• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup softened butter (1 1/2 sticks of butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon zest from one lemon

How to Make Crust for Lemon Bars

Step 1.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 pan with butter and set aside. 

Step 2.

Add the flaky crust ingredients into the bowl and mix with a hand mixer on low speed for 2 minutes until the consistency is crumbly.

You can use a hand mixer or Kitchen Aid stand mixer like mine HERE.

Step 3.

Add the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Use your fingers to press firmly to create a compacted even layer.

Step 4.

Bake the crust for 22 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack / or towel. (The crust does not need to cool beyond the time it takes to prepare the lemon custard.)

Lemon Custard Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 6 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 1/2 lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon zest from one lemon – teaspoon

How to Make an Easy Lemon Custard

Step 1.

In a bowl add the lemon custard ingredients.

Step 2.

Use a hand mixer on low for 2 minutes until the consistency is smooth and silky.

Step 3.

Pour the lemon custard over the crust.

Step 4.

Bake for 25 minutes. Use a toothpick to make sure the lemon custard comes out clean.

Place the 9×13 baking dish on a cooling rack for 1 hour until cooled.

Step 5.

Transfer to the fridge for 2 hours or until chilled.

Cut into 20 bars. Add powdered sugar and sliced lemon on top of each bar for an extra pretty presentation. Serve and enjoy!

Don’t they look just delicious? They would be perfect for an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch, or a summer barbecue. How about a weekend treat when you are craving something sweet?

PIN FOR LATER!

Tips for Making Lemon Bars

• Use a glass or ceramic pan. Do not use metal, as the lemon bars will taste metallic.
• Always use fresh juice over store-bought. You will reap all the benefits of the lemon flavor.
• The bars may seem wobbly and not fully set, even though the toothpick comes out clean, but they will continue to bake while cooling.
• The chill time is extremely important for the bars to be completely set.
• These can be gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Frequently asked questions

How do I store lemons the right way?

The answer to this question is interesting. I’ve shared all my tips and secrets here below in another post for you.

Can I use lemon pie filling instead of lemon custard?

Yes! But it probably will not be as yummy as this lemon custard recipe. Plus, it’s so simple to make it might be worth it to take the extra steps.

How do I store lemon bars?

To store lemon bars, simply place them in an airtight container and seal tightly, then put them in the fridge.

If you’re stacking lemon bars, insert a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

How long will lemon bars stay fresh?

According to the USDA, lemon bars will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Lemon Bars Turned Out!

Other easy LEMON dessert recipes you’ll love

• Easy No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie (in a Mason Jar)
• Copycat Nothing Bundt Lemon Bundt Cake
• Easy Oreo Truffles

Grab a fun “lemon-y” shirt today!