Go Back
+ servings
lemon bar topped with lemon slice

Lemon Bars

These homemade Lemon Bars are the perfect way to channel warm-weather flavors. The citrusy filling paired and shortbread crust are perfect!
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 453kcal

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups flour

Lemon Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon zest 2 large lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice 5-6 lemons
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to use as a sling.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour and melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, crust will be thin. Generously prick with a fork and then refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is starting to brown. Remove and allow to cool while you make the filling.

Lemon Filling

  • Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar, flour, lemon zest, salt and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs, lemon juice and milk until fully blended.
  • Pour the lemon mixture over the crust.
  • Bake until the lemon filling is set in the center and it no longer wiggles when the pan is moved, about 30-35 minutes. Remove before the lemon bars are lightly browned.
  • Remove and cool on a wire rack until room temperature and then chill for 1-2 hours.
  • Carefully remove the bars using the parchment sling. Place onto a cutting board and slice into 16 bars, cleaning the knife between each slice.
  • Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 486IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg