Super Easy Lemon Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and comforting, these Super Easy Lemon Bars are just the ticket! The vibrant lemon curd filling contrasts beautifully with a buttery shortbread crust, making them a favorite in our household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe has become my go-to for bringing a bit of sunshine to any occasion.

These bars are incredibly simple to whip up and will impress your family and friends with their bright flavor. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time!
• Family favorite: Everyone loves the sweet-tart flavor combination. They are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars store well in the fridge, so you can easily prepare them in advance for gatherings.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea.
• Simple ingredients: Made with wholesome pantry staples, these lemon bars are easy on the wallet too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for these Super Easy Lemon Bars. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Crust

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar

For the Lemon Filling

• 1/2 cup Lemon Juice (2-3 lemons)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (finely grated)
• 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)

For Dusting

• Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

Variations

The beauty of these Super Easy Lemon Bars is their flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add berries: Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the lemon filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Herb infusion: Experiment with herbs by adding finely chopped mint or basil to the filling for a unique twist.
• Lemon-lime combo: Mix lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty citrus explosion that’s sure to wow your taste buds.
• Nutty crust: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the shortbread crust for added texture.

How to Make Super Easy Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This creates that deliciously rich base. Gradually add in 1 cup of flour and mix until everything is combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking pan. This buttery layer is what holds all that tangy goodness above!

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Baking it first ensures that your crust stays firm and doesn’t get soggy once you pour in the lemon filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While that crust is baking, grab another bowl and whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sifted flour until smooth. This step is crucial because it allows all those flavors to blend beautifully together!

Step 4: Combine & Bake Again

Once your crust has cooled slightly after baking, pour your luscious lemon filling right over it. Bake again for about 30-35 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allowing it to cool completely is essential—this helps it firm up into those perfect squares.

Step 5: Dust & Serve

Once cooled, dust your Super Easy Lemon Bars with powdered sugar before slicing them into squares. This last touch not only makes them look beautiful but adds that final sweet note.

Enjoy every bite of these refreshing treats! They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging yourself on a sunny afternoon.

Pro Tips for Making Super Easy Lemon Bars

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to ensure your lemon bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamier filling and a better texture overall.
• Sift the flour: Sifting your flour before measuring can prevent clumping and ensures that your bars have an airy texture. It also allows for even mixing with other dry ingredients.
• Zest before juicing: Zesting your lemons before juicing makes it easier to get the oils from the zest, which brings out a more vibrant lemon flavor in your bars!
• Bake until set, not just golden: It’s tempting to pull your bars out of the oven when they start to turn golden, but make sure they’re set in the middle. A slight jiggle is okay, but if they look too wobbly, give them a few extra minutes.
• Cool completely before slicing: Patience is key! Allowing the lemon bars to cool completely will make them easier to slice and help keep their shape.

How to Serve Super Easy Lemon Bars

Presentation can elevate any dessert, and these Super Easy Lemon Bars are no exception! Here are some fun ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon curd.
• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a sprig of mint not only looks pretty but also adds a refreshing contrast that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream is an excellent dairy-free alternative that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon bars for an indulgent treat.
• Berry compote: A warm or chilled berry compote made from mixed berries enhances the citrus flavor while adding sweetness and color to your plate.
• Fruit salad: A simple medley of seasonal fruits provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the lemon bars, making it a perfect side dish for any gathering.
• Iced tea or lemonade: Serve your lemon bars with a refreshing glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade for a truly delightful summer experience!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious Super Easy Lemon Bars! Enjoy every citrusy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Super Easy Lemon Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delightful treat ahead of time. You can enjoy these bars fresh out of the oven or save them for later—either way, they’re sure to brighten your day!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cut into squares and transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a lovely finish.

Freezing

• Ensure the lemon bars are fully cooled before freezing.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best results, let frozen lemon bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• If desired, warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Serve with a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Super Easy Lemon Bars:

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Super Easy Lemon Bars?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemons provide that vibrant zing that makes these bars truly special!

How long do Super Easy Lemon Bars last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your delicious lemon bars will last about a week. Just remember to keep them covered so they remain fresh!

Why did my Super Easy Lemon Bars turn out too runny?

If your lemon bars are runny, it may be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake them until the filling is set and not jiggly. A little patience goes a long way!

Can I substitute any ingredients in Super Easy Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can try using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option or adjust the sweetness with natural sweeteners if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Super Easy Lemon Bars! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience filled with bright flavors and sunny smiles. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them on your own, I’m sure they’ll bring a bit of happiness to your day. Enjoy every zesty bite and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends who might need a sweet pick-me-up!