American
Classic Lemon Bars
A crisp buttery shortbread crust topped with a bright, tangy lemon curd filling and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar.
- Bright, tangy lemon filling
- No-chill shortbread crust
- Clean, neat squares
Lemon bars are pure sunshine in a square, and our version leans tart with plenty of fresh juice and zest. The shortbread base is mixed with melted butter, so there is no cutting in and no chilling. Pouring the filling onto the hot crust helps the two bond, so the bars lift out cleanly with no gap. A gentle, lower-temperature bake keeps the filling smooth and glossy rather than browned or bubbly.
Instructions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with a parchment sling that overhangs two sides.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar and the salt. Add the melted butter and stir until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the edges are golden.
While the crust bakes, whisk the granulated sugar and 3 tbsp flour together in a bowl to break up any lumps.
Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk until smooth, then whisk in the lemon juice and zest. Let the filling stand and skim off any foam from the surface.
When the crust comes out, reduce the oven to 325 degrees F and immediately pour the filling over the hot crust.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling no longer jiggles in the center when the pan is gently nudged.
Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until fully set.
Lift the bars out using the parchment, trim the edges if desired, and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Test kitchen tips
- Use a metal pan rather than glass; glass heats slowly and can leave the crust pale and the filling overbaked at the edges.
- Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving, since it dissolves over time.
- Swap in half fresh lime juice for a lemon-lime bar with a little extra zing.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbs
- 21g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sugar
- 15g
- Sodium
- 70mg
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving. See our disclaimer.
