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Best Ever Lemon Bars

These lemon bars are bright and buttery, featuring a tender shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon custard, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Softened (not melted) butter for proper texture.
Lemon Filling
  • 2 large eggs Room-temperature eggs whisk more smoothly.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch none salt Unsalted butter helps control salt.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir the flour and powdered sugar until combined. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Baking the Shortbread Crust
  1. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes until golden at the edges.
Making the Lemon Filling
  1. While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
  2. Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the hot crust.
Baking the Lemon Bars
  1. Bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the filling jiggles slightly but is not wet.
  2. Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.

Notes

For added texture, stir in a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a floral lift. Store in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days.