How to Make Golden Baked Lemon Bars: A Simple Guide
If you love desserts that are sweet, tangy, and buttery, lemon bars are the treat for you! Lemon bars are classic squares of perfection, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lemon filling. They’re easy to make, and they look as good as they taste. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe to create golden baked lemon bars right in your kitchen.
What Are Lemon Bars?
Lemon bars are a type of dessert made with two layers. The bottom layer is a buttery crust, while the top layer is a soft and tangy lemon filling. After baking, the lemon bars are cut into neat squares and usually sprinkled with powdered sugar. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or savoring as a sweet treat after dinner.
What You’ll Need to Make Lemon Bars
Here’s a list of ingredients and tools you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
-
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons (optional, but adds more flavor)
-
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
-
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Tools:
- An 8×8 or 9×13-inch baking pan (depending on how thick you want your bars)
- Parchment paper for lining the pan
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk or electric mixer
- A spatula
- A zester or grater (for lemon zest)
- A sharp knife
How to Make Golden Baked Lemon Bars
Here’s the step-by-step guide to creating perfect lemon bars. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s warm and ready for your baking. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered. This makes it easy to lift out the lemon bars after baking for clean, even cuts.
Step 2: Make the Crust
The crust is the base of your lemon bars. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and holds everything together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and ½ cup of powdered sugar.
- Add the softened 1 cup of butter to the bowl. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until it forms crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the lined baking pan. Make sure it’s pressed tightly and smooth.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
The lemon filling is what gives lemon bars their tangy punch. It’s easy to make—just mix everything together!
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of granulated sugar and 4 eggs until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the ⅔ cup of lemon juice and the zest of 2 lemons. Lemon zest is optional, but it adds a brighter flavor to the filling.
- Finally, mix in ¼ cup of flour, which helps thicken the filling. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Now it’s time to put everything together!
- Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the lemon bars in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set. The top should look firm, and light golden edges may appear.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before removing them.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once the lemon bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
To finish, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for extra sweetness and a lovely presentation. Use a sieve or sifter to make an even dusting.
Serving and Storing Lemon Bars
Golden baked lemon bars are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later too! Arrange the bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you’d like to make them ahead, you can freeze lemon bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Final Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice always tastes better than bottled juice.
- Go for even cuts: To make clean cuts, wipe your knife with a damp cloth after each slice.
- Cool completely: Don’t rush to cut lemon bars while they’re warm; they need time to set.
Conclusion
Golden baked lemon bars are a delicious dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With their buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow this recipe step-by-step, and you’ll have soft, flavorful lemon bars ready to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just an afternoon treat, lemon bars are always a hit. So grab your lemons and start baking today!
