Simple Lemon Bar Recipe

Sweet, tangy, and refreshing this lemon bar recipe is one of my favorite recipes. This recipe was my grandmother’s and it has been well loved by my family for years. As you can see by her recipe card, it was time for this recipe to be typed up and transferred to another format. Losing this recipe would be a tragedy, as it carries so many precious memories.

I love to make this recipe any time of year. However, I enjoy making it most during the cold winter months. It is like a sweet burst of summer during the cold season. The buttery crust pairs well with the sweet and tart custard filling, creating the perfect balance.

This lemon bar recipe is both easy to make and delicious which is a win-win in my book. These lemon bars have a burst of bright lemony flavor before they melt in your mouth. They are a sweet treat that is not too heavy, allowing your sweet tooth to be satisfied without overdoing it. With their bright yellow color and dusting of powdered sugar, lemon bars look as good as they taste. The joy of sharing these lemon bars with family and friends makes them even more special.

These homemade lemon bars also make a wonderful addition to potlucks, gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you want something cheerful on the table. They are easy to pack up and transport, store well in the fridge, and taste just as good the next day.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Delicious – This lemon bar recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Easy to make – This recipe has simple, easy to follow steps. It also uses ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!
  • Refreshing – The bright lemon taste and buttery crust compliment each other perfectly. These make a perfect treat for any time of year.

Ingredients

  • For the crust
    • 2 cups of all purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter
  • For the custard filling
    • 4 eggs, beaten
    • 2 cups of granulated sugar
    • 1/3 cup lemon juice – my grandma says it is necessary to use fresh lemon juice, but I have used bottled lemon juice with good results!
    • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

How to make this lemon bar recipe

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix together the flour and powdered sugar
  • Cut the butter into the flour mixture and combine until crumbly.
  • Press the crust mixture into a 9×13 pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder well.
  • Pour the custard mixture over the baked crust while it is still hot.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for another 20-25 minutes.
  • Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting into them.
  • Top with powdered sugar.

Storage

  • These lemon bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days
lemon bar recipe

Why are there bubbles on the top of my lemon bars?

  • This is completely normal! The bubbles form when the eggs are beaten. They rise to the top of the custard during the baking process. These bubbles can easily be covered up by a dusting of powdered sugar.

More Sweet Treat Recipes

Simple Lemon Bar Recipe

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/4 cups of all purpose flour, divided

  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter

  • 4 eggs, beaten

  • 2 cups of granulated sugar

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix together 2 cups of flour and the powdered sugar.
  • Cut the butter into the flour mixture and combine until crumbly.
  • Press the crust mixture into a 9×13 pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
  • Whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder well.
  • Pour the custard mixture over the baked crust while it is still hot.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for another 20-25 minutes.
  • Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting.
  • Top with powdered sugar.

2 responses to “Simple Lemon Bar Recipe”

  1. […] with leftover lemon juice after making this recipe, it’s the perfect excuse to make a batch of lemon bars. This recipe is also wonderful for gatherings, picnics, and parties because it’s easy to scale up […]

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I’m Grace

I’m a young mom who is learning how to run a home, feed my family (mostly) healthy meals, and make everyday cooking feel doable. Here on my blog you’ll find simple recipes, slow cooker favorites, and pantry-friendly ideas that fit real life.

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