Bright and tangy lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust, these Lemon Dream Bars are a dessert that citrus lovers will adore. With a luscious lemon filling and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of tart lemon filling and buttery crust creates the perfect balance of flavors.
These bars are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
They’re a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself.
The vibrant lemon flavor is refreshing and light.
They store beautifully, so you can enjoy them over several days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
For the Topping:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour and salt to form a crumbly dough.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Make the Lemon Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth.
Add the flour, baking powder, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until fully combined.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
Cool and Finish:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Tartness: Add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice for a zingier flavor.
Sweeter Crust: Use powdered sugar in the crust instead of granulated sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Berry Twist: Swirl in a few teaspoons of raspberry or blueberry puree before baking the lemon filling.
Mini Bars: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized lemon bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
These bars are best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
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FAQs
How do I know when the lemon filling is set?
The filling is set when it is no longer jiggly in the center, and the edges are slightly golden.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Why is my crust crumbly?
If the crust is too crumbly, it may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan. Ensure the dough is evenly packed.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Dream Bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling them enhances the flavors.
Do I have to dust the bars with powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and balances the tartness, but the bars are delicious without it too.
Conclusion
Lemon Dream Bars are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, with a buttery shortbread crust that makes them irresistibly good. Whether you’re serving them for a party or indulging in a midday treat, these bars are sure to impress. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Dream Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, tangy, and utterly irresistible, Lemon Dream Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious lemon filling. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing sweet treat, these easy-to-make bars will be a favorite for citrus lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
For the Topping:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Finish:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
For extra tartness, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
To enhance sweetness, substitute granulated sugar with powdered sugar in the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 250 kcal
