Name: Super Easy Lemon Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/2 cup Lemon Juice (2-3 lemons); 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (finely grated); 3 Large Eggs (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted); Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

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Why Make This Recipe

Super Easy Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon filling. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a party, or just a sweet snack at home. These bars are simple to make, refreshing, and sure to please anyone who loves a little citrusy zing. Plus, they are great for beginners who want to try their hand at baking.

How to Make Super Easy Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Lemon Juice (2-3 lemons)
1 tbsp Lemon Zest (finely grated)
3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

Make the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add in 1 cup of flour and mix until the dough forms. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden.
Prepare the Lemon Curd Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the sifted flour until well combined.
Combine and Bake Again: Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.
Cool and Dust: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

How to Serve Super Easy Lemon Bars

To serve, cut the lemon bars into squares and place them on a nice plate. You can dust them with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. They are great on their own but also pair well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Super Easy Lemon Bars

Store any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Super Easy Lemon Bars

Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best texture for the crust.
Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest for the best flavor.
Let the lemon bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.

Variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding a touch of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the filling for a unique flavor. You can also try using different citrus fruits such as limes or oranges!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make lemon bars a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze lemon bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’re good for up to three months in the freezer.

Q: What can I do if my lemon bars are too sweet?
A: If you find them too sweet, you can try reducing the amount of sugar in the filling. Adding a little more lemon juice can help balance the sweetness as well.

Super Easy Lemon Bars