Skip to main content
Recipes

Lemon Bars

By February 21, 2023April 18th, 2023No Comments

Lemon Bars

These zesty lemon bars combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust with a luscious lemon filling, offering a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Not only are these bars incredibly delicious, but they are also simple to make, making them the perfect treat for seniors who enjoy spending time in the kitchen or sharing homemade goodies with loved ones.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the lemon filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough comes together. It may be crumbly, but that’s okay.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to help flatten and compact the crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
  6. Make the lemon filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour.
  7. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  8. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  9. Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, making sure to spread it evenly.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
  11. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
  12. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
  13. Dust the tops of the lemon bars with powdered sugar before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.