Lemon Bars Recipe

When life gives you lemons, turn them into a satisfyingly sweet treat with a tangy twist.

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One of my favorite treats to share at summertime picnics is a tray of homemade lemon bars. Whether it’s a refreshing afternoon snack or a dessert after a BBQ, lemon bars are a fabulous way to add some tangy flavor to the day. But it’s not just picnic-friendly… I’ve made these for spring holidays and birthdays, too. And everyone, no matter how old, tends to enjoy them. Even my friends who swore they would never like fruity desserts have found a liking for these. They just hit the spot!

The sweet, zesty, and smooth lemon filling makes my mouth water just thinking about it… Made with a good balance of juice and zest, each bite has an ideal harmony of tender tartness. With a buttery, golden crust and a topping of powdered sugar, what more could you ask for?

Are Lemon Bars Healthy?

While lemons are healthy because of their vitamin C, lemon bars are sugary and carb-heavy, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation. However, there are some ways to adjust this recipe to suit certain dietary needs. If you’re serving those with a wheat allergy or sensitivity, for example, you can easily replace regular flour with a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free blend. For dairy-free folk, use plant-based butter. Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for vegans because it has eggs, so keep that in mind when sharing these with new crowds.

Spicing Up Your Lemon Bars

Of course, this basic recipe for lemon bars is always a winner. But once you’ve made them more than a few times, it becomes easy to experiment with seasonings that take lemon bars from sweet to sweet-and-spicy—a whole new level of flavor. I, for one, love to add a tablespoon of ground ginger to the lemon filling, but feel free to play with the same amount of cinnamon or a teaspoon of cardamom. These warm spices create a fun flavor combo with lemon that dances across the tongue. Magically refreshing and comforting!

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Once cooled to room temperature, cover your lemon bars with parchment or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat once you’re ready to eat. You can also pre-slice them and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

If you’re concerned about the 4-hour total cook time for lemon bars, don’t worry. The crust for this recipe can easily be made the day before. Just make sure to let the crust cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. The next morning, whip up the lemon filling and finish baking as the instructions state.

Can I Use Foil Instead Of Parchment?

This recipe calls for parchment in the baking dish so that the bars don’t stick and are easily removed. I don’t recommend using foil because this might leave a metallic taste as a result of a reaction with the citric acid in lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

After your lemon bars have cooled in the fridge, dust them with some powdered sugar, using a sifter. If you’re like me and you love to decorate, I suggest topping them off with Candied Lemon Slices, too. As for drinks that go heavenly with lemon bars, try a classic Lemonade, a sassy Strawberry Agua Fresca, or a homemade version of Starbucks’ Pink Drink. I’ve also found that lemon bars go splendidly with a scoop of Strawberry Whipped Cream or Fruit Salad.