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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    How to bake the best lemon bars ever

    Published: Aug 16, 2018 · Modified: Apr 21, 2025 by Candi Elm · This post may contain affiliate links

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    These are The Best Lemon Bars you are going to taste, I guarantee it. A buttery crust with a sharp yet fresh lemon filling and topped with sugar they are super delicious and simple to make. You are going to love them!

    I love these lemon bars and always whip up a batch for friends and family. The problem is, you can’t just eat one. The buttery, crumbly crust is sweet and delicious, and the lemon filling is tart and fresh. The bars remind me of a lemon tart, but these are easier to make and taste just as good. Enjoy some of our other lemon recipes as well.

    3 Lemon Bars stacked on a plate.

    These lemon bars are a great option to bake for a bake sale or make as gifts for friends and family. I love to have a batch baked for the weekend, so when that sweet craving hits, I know I have something that is going to hit the spot. 

    You can never eat just one, and I think by cutting them into little triangles, you don’t feel like you’re eating too much. Until you notice most of them are gone. If you can’t get enough Lemon, try this lemon curd recipe.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Super easy to make – These lemon bars are a great option to make. They may take a little time while you bake the crust and make the filling. But it’s worth it. 
    • Tasty and delicious – You get that fresh lemon flavor with every bite. 
    • Something for everyone – The lemon bars are perfect for everyone. Kids, friends, and family will all want you to bake a batch of these bars. 
    • Pastry has never been so easy – You can whip up the shortbread pastry crust in minutes. Freezing it helps before baking the crust to perfection.

    Ingredients

    Lemon Bar Ingredients on a counter.
    • Butter – It needs to be unsalted and brought to room temperature. Just take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you need it. 
    • Granulated sugar – This is what adds sweetness to the pastry crust and also helps balance the lemon flavors in the filling. 
    • All-purpose flour – I use all-purpose flour but you can use other flour. Rice flour is a great substitution for the pastry. 
    • Kosher salt – this helps to balance the sweetness in the crust. 
    • Eggs – Jumbo or Extra Large eggs are what is needed for this recipe. They need to be at room temperature so if you store them in the refrigerator pull them out before using.  
    • Lemon zest and lemon juice – You will want to use fresh lemons for the best flavor. 
    • Powdered sugar – This is what will be sprinkled on top of the lemon bars once they are baked.

    Step-by-Step Lemon Bar Directions

    1. Gather all of your ingredients together and then preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    2. We shall start with the crust. First, cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and add to the butter mixture. Line a 9 X 13″ pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Put the dough into the pan and sprinkle with flour using a small roller or your hands, roll into the pan building up a ½-inch edge on all sides. 
    3. Put the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking
    4. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Make the filling while the crust is baking. Remove from the oven. 
    5. For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Using real lemons makes all the difference. Mix again just before you pour over the crust and bake for 30 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature. Cut into 20 – 24 squares or 40 triangles. It’s easier to cut if you refrigerate for 30 minutes after they cool completely.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Make orange bars instead of lemon – You can do this by using orange zest and orange juice instead of the lemon and baking them in the same way. 
    • Use store-bought lemon curd – If you want a quick fix then you could use some store-bought lemon curd but the flavor won’t be as intense as making it fresh. 
    • Pastry shortcut – You can use store-bought pastry instead if you want to save time. 
    • Slice of lemon – Add a slice of lemon on top of each individually cut lemon bar as an extra garnish. You could also add candied lemons or some lemon zest if you desire.

    Expert Tips

    • After you make the crust and add it to the the pan, freeze the baking pan for 10 minutes.
    • The filling should be poured into the warm crust right after baking. Prepare the filling while the crust is in the freezer. 
    • The baking time may vary for the filling. Make sure your oven is calibrated and that you understand your baking time based on your oven settings. Do not underbake the filling or the bars won’t hold up. 
    • Sift powdered sugar on bars right before consuming. 
    • When slicing, make sure the bars are cold and use a clean sharp knife. I cut all the edges off so that the bars are all pretty. Then I eat the edges. Yum.

    FAQs

    Is it better to bake the lemon bars in a glass or metal baking dish?

    You don’t need to use anything fancy for these lemon bars, but most bakers will agree that metal tins and baking dishes provide better results as the heat is retained better. 

    Why do my lemon bars taste eggy?

    If you find that your lemon bars taste a little eggy then the chances are they are overcooked. You just need to bake until the filling has set. All ovens are different so keep in mind the baking time might be different.

    Help, my lemon bars are too runny, what’s happened?

    The chances are in this case you haven’t baked them for long enough. If they don’t look set when you pull them out of the oven put them back to bake a little longer. 

    Storage Tips

    You can store these easily simply by transferring cooled lemon bar slices to an airtight container and then storing them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you do layer them in the container, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer so they won’t stick. 

    These lemon bars also freeze well. Freeze them in a layer and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

    Sliced Lemon Bars on a grater with lemons slices on top of each one.

    Related Recipes

    • Lemon Curd Cupcakes
    • Instant Pot Lemon Curd Cheesecake
    • Easy Lemon Curd Recipe with 5 Ingredients
    • 5 Delicious Lemon Zest Substitutes

    If you loved this recipe and made it, please give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Leave me a comment about your experience with this recipe. You can also pin it to Pinterest or share it on Facebook.

    How to Bake The Best Lemon Bars Ever

    Bake some of the best lemon bars ever with this easy recipe using fresh lemon and lemon zest. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print SaveSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Resting time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 259kcal
    Author: Candi Elm

    Ingredients  

    Crust

    • 2 sticks butter room temp
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • pinch kosher salt

    Filling

    • 6 eggs Jumbo or Extra Large and room temp
    • 3 cups granulated sugar
    • 2 Tablespoon grated lemon zest Approx 2 lemons
    • 3/4 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed preferrably
    • 1 cup all purpose flour

    Topping

    • 1/4 cup Powdered sugar for dusting as needed

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    • For the crust, cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and add to butter mixture. Line a 9 X 13" pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Put the dough into the pan and sprinkle with flour and using a small roller or your hands, roll into the pan building up a 1/2 inch edge on all sides. 
    • Put pan in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking
    • Bake the crust for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Make the filling while the crust is baking. Remove from the oven.
    • For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Using real lemons makes all the difference. Mix again just before you pour over the crust and bake for 30 minutes, until filling is set. Let cool to room temperature. Cut into 20 – 24 squares or 40 triangles. It's easier to cut if you refrigerate for 30 minutes after completely cool.

    Notes

    After you bake the crust, freeze the baking pan for 10 minutes.
    The filling should be poured into the warm crust right after baking. Prepare the filling while the crust is in the freezer. 
    The baking time may vary for the filling. Make sure your oven is calibrated and that you understand your baking time based on your oven settings. Do not underbake the filling or the bars won’t hold up. 
    Sift powdered sugar on bars right before consuming. 
    When slicing, make sure the bars are cold and use a clean sharp knife. I cut all the edges off so that the bars are all pretty. Then I eat the edges. Yum. 
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @candilandblogs or tag #adayincandiland!

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    Afternoon Tea at Home, Desserts, Recipes

    About Candi Elm

    Candi Elm is the recipe developer and food photographer at A Day In Candiland where she has been sharing Encouragement, Recipes, and Afternoon Tea Ideas since 2012. Candi currently lives in Southern California with her family and enjoying life to the fullest.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. adrienne says

      April 05, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      These look delicious! Stopped by from SITS. 🙂

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 15, 2013 at 1:26 am

        I hope you get the chance to try them. Enjoy. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    2. Tracie says

      April 06, 2013 at 11:55 am

      Yum! I definitely want to try these soon.
      My recent post This Hamburger Will Make You Hungry

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 15, 2013 at 1:24 am

        they are so easy. I know you will enjoy. Thanks for visiting.

        Reply
    3. Akaleistar says

      April 06, 2013 at 11:52 pm

      Love lemon bars!

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 15, 2013 at 1:23 am

        Me too. I can't get enough. Thanks for visiting.

        Reply
    4. momssmallvictories says

      April 07, 2013 at 3:57 am

      delish, i love lemon bars! visiting from SITS!

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 15, 2013 at 1:23 am

        I Love them too. I could eat them all day. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    5. Amee @ Did Someone Say Chocolate? says

      January 20, 2014 at 4:54 pm

      Hi Candi! I'm visting from SITS and when I saw the words "Lemon Bar" I just HAD to take a peak. You have a very lucky friend and now I'm putting these on my list for my birthday. I would totally go for lemon bars over a birthday cake! (Or brownies) haha! Looking forward to getting to know you better!

      Reply
    6. L. D. B. Taylor says

      February 26, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      One of my favorite desserts! I love that tart, lemon flavor.

      Reply
    7. Alexis Grace says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:48 am

      I actually love lemon bars— but still avoiding gluten…..have you made the crust gf before? If so what did you use?
      My recent post Travel Snapshots: The Waters Of Bali

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 03, 2014 at 2:33 am

        Alexis, I will put that on my list to do a recipe with a gluten free crust. Thanks for the suggestion
        My recent post Recipe|Lime Curd

        Reply
    8. Cindy Howell says

      April 03, 2014 at 12:36 am

      Your recipes are always a treat. I can't wait to try this one!
      Thank you for sharing at this week's Super Saturday Afternoon Tea!!!
      My recent post My Year of Joy

      Reply
      • Candi says

        April 03, 2014 at 2:33 am

        Thanks Cindy, I appreciate you hosting the link up.
        My recent post Recipe|Lime Curd

        Reply
    9. @shari_lynne says

      June 23, 2014 at 7:29 am

      I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lemon Bars Candi! I have to be careful when I'm around them because I will eat them all up!! 😀 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Candi says

        June 25, 2014 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks Shari, I can eat them all up too.

        My recent post Im Guest Posting on these Snickerdoodle Cookies

        Reply
    10. @KrystalS says

      June 24, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      These look REALLY good! I'm sharing and pinning to make them in the future! ;D

      Reply
      • Candi says

        June 25, 2014 at 3:03 pm

        Great, they are super easy and so good. Great for parties.
        My recent post Im Guest Posting on these Snickerdoodle Cookies

        Reply
    11. heidifowler says

      June 25, 2014 at 9:39 am

      Lemon bars are one of my favorite treats. Thanks for the great recipe! Pinned and shared!
      My recent post Olaf Sock Snowman Tutorial

      Reply
      • Candi says

        June 25, 2014 at 3:03 pm

        Thanks for pinning. They are so good. I love the shortbread crust.
        My recent post Im Guest Posting on these Snickerdoodle Cookies

        Reply
    12. @GirlGoneMom says

      June 25, 2014 at 9:48 am

      I love anything with lemon. Going to be making this soon, for reals!
      My recent post BBQ Party Game & Squiggle Pads {Giveaway}

      Reply
      • Candi says

        June 25, 2014 at 3:04 pm

        I love lemon too. I have so much fun making all the lemon recipes.
        My recent post Im Guest Posting on these Snickerdoodle Cookies

        Reply
    13. @MommaYoung says

      June 29, 2014 at 8:34 am

      This Lemon Bar recipe looks delicious. We love lemon I can't wait to try this with the kids.
      My recent post Four Almond Milk Recipes: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake #SilkAlmondBlends #shop

      Reply
      • Candi says

        June 29, 2014 at 8:09 pm

        They are so good and easy to make. I hope you get to try them.

        Reply
      • Candi Elm says

        July 10, 2014 at 12:57 pm

        They are so good. I am thinking of making the gluten free next time with coconut flour.

        Reply
    14. Immobilienmakler heidelberg says

      August 19, 2018 at 10:25 pm

      Der Artikel ist wirklich gut. Das Thema hat mich schon interessiert und ich konnte hier noch einiges weiterführendes finden. Ich freue mich, weitere Blogeinträge zu lesen. Danke und Grüße aus Heidelberg Marco Feindler

      Reply
    15. Diane Lyman says

      August 30, 2018 at 10:52 am

      I really like Lemon Bars candy! I should be careful while i am around them because i can eat them all up!! Thanks a lot for sharing!

      Reply
    16. low calories food list says

      October 21, 2018 at 12:59 pm

      I’m planning to start out a 7days food regimen tomorrow.

      Reply

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    I’m Candi, a recipe and all things Tea blogger. I create family-friendly recipes along with sharing encouragement in your daily life.

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