Lemon Bars
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Whip up a batch of these irresistible lemon bars, where the vibrant tang of fresh lemon zest perfectly complements the richness of a buttery shortbread crust. With a balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, these lemon bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special moment, or simply craving something refreshing. The slight crispiness of the crust adds the perfect finishing touch to this classic dessert. Lemon bars are always a crowd-pleaser, and I love using Lakewood Organic Lemon Juice, a pantry staple that elevates the citrus flavor in both baking and cooking. This organic, pure lemon juice is perfect for bringing that bright, zesty punch to every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Enjoy the delightful harmony of tangy lemon and sweet sugar.
- Buttery Shortbread Crust: The crust provides a deliciously rich and buttery base.
- GF-Friendly Recipe: Made with GF flour, these lemon bars are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, these bars are a breeze to make.
- Refreshing Taste: The zesty lemon flavor makes them a refreshing treat for any occasion.
- Ideal for Sharing: With 24 servings, these bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a family treat.
Ingredients Needed To Make Lemon Bars
- Butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
- Eggs
- Powdered Sugar
How To Make Lemon Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix all crust ingredients in a bowl. Press the mixture down into the base of the baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
For the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Mix for 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for 24-26 minutes until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 6 hours to set.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of GF flour?
Yes, you can substitute 1.1 GF flour with regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
How long can I store these lemon bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
The
Craveworthy Baking
Cookbook
A collection of some of my favorite recipes. From sweet to savory baking recipes that just work, every time. These recipes are all dairy-free and gluten-free, with options to use full dairy and gluten if you prefer. No complicated swaps, no weird textures, just really good baking.
The
Craveworthy Baking
Cookbook
A collection of some of my favorite recipes. From sweet to savory baking recipes that just work, every time. These recipes are all dairy-free and gluten-free, with options to use full dairy and gluten if you prefer. No complicated swaps, no weird textures, just really good baking.
Get all the best baking tips!
Wondering how in the world to get the BEST bake every time? We’ve laid it all out for you.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Reducing the sugar will affect the sweetness and texture, but you can experiment with slightly less sugar if desired.
Small Batch Lemon Bars 🍋
Want to make a smaller batch? You can easily cut this recipe in half! Use an 8×8 baking dish and reduce the baking time slightly—start checking about 5–10 minutes earlier than the full batch. You’ll still get that same buttery shortbread crust and bright, tangy lemon filling, just in a smaller (but just as delicious) size. Perfect for a quick treat or a smaller crowd!
Lemon Bars
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup butter melted
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ¾ cup 1.1 GF flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 1/2 cup Lakewood Organic Lemon Juice lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup 1.1 GF flour
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 6 eggs room temperature
- *2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting when finished baking & cooled
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray and line the dish with parchment paper.
- If it comes over the sides, it will be easier to remove.
- Add all the ingredients for the crust to a bowl, mix well and press down into the base of the baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Remove, reduce the oven temp to 325 degrees and go to the next
Filling
- In a mixing bowl add all the ingredients and mix for 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Pour on top of the crust and bake for 24-26 minutes, the edges will be slightly golden brown.
- Remove, let sit at room temp for 1 hr. and place in the fridge for 6 hrs. to setup.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Nutrition
These lemon bars are the perfect blend of zesty and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying out a new recipe, these lemon bars are sure to impress!