Bright lemon curd filling over a simple shortbread crust, these lemon bars are sure to please. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or parties anytime you just need something sweet!
Making lemon bars from scratch is easier than you may think. With all of the fresh citrus out right now, I had to make a batch. It brings the bright taste of sweet lemon together with a buttery shortbread crust.
It makes my mouth watering just thinking about it. Take a bite out of summer in the most delicious way!
My mother-in-law makes the most delicious lemon bars. So of course I had to ask her for the recipe. Now we all get to benefit!
I have always enjoyed lemon bars. If they were available at a gathering, you better bet I was going to have one on my plate.
But despite my adoration for them, I don’t think I had ever made them before. Nana on the other hand, had gone through a number of recipes to find her favorite.
She was generous enough to share the fruits of her labors with us several times along the way. So I was really excited to give her recipe a try for myself.
She said the key is to juice fresh lemons yourself, don’t take the shortcut and use the bottled lemon juice. Besides, juicing a lemon is really quick and easy so it’s worth the tiny bit of effort.
I had hit the jackpot with fresh citrus recently, so I decided to whip these up with some meyer lemons. That made for some super delicious treats.
My husband’s eyes got really big when he saw the lemon bars. I didn’t know how much he likes them, but now I do!
He couldn’t wait to get his hands on one. So I gave him one to snack on while I took the pictures.
I loaded the rest on a plate to take to family dinner at my parents’ house. There he ate a couple of more before we even had dinner.
He admitted to eating at least 3 more after dinner. One of my brothers was trying to keep pace with him.
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So, needless to say I didn’t have a whole lot of bars left on that plate when we came home. That is a sign of a successful dessert!
While lemon bars are good all year round, they still make me think of summer. So having these makes me so ready for all of the BBQs to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lemon bar crust made of?
Lemon bar crust is a lot like a shortbread cookie, it is made from butter, flour and sugar.
Do lemon bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes. You should store your lemon bars in the refrigerator. Cover them with plastic wrap and they will keep for up to a week.
If you are a sucker for lemon desserts, you may also like:
Lemon gooey butter cookies are so soft and delicious. They are loaded with cream cheese and start with a cake mix, so they are super easy to make!
Lemon chess bars are another great option. They have a cakey crust and gooey buttery cream cheese filling that is popping with lemon flavor.
If you like chocolate Texas sheet cake, you are going to love lemon texas sheet cake! It is made in a saucepan just like the original, but it is bright and lemony!
No bake lemon blueberry cheesecake jars are soft and delicious. They have been a hit every time I made them.
Nana’s Lemon Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
Filling
- 2 large lemons (about ½ cup lemon juice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together butter and sugar until lump free.1 cup butter, ½ cup granulated sugar
- Add flour and mix until combined. It's okay if the mixture is little bit crumbly, it should come together when you press into an ungreased 9×13" pan.2 cups all purpose flour
- Bake 15-20 minutes, or until set.
- Meanwhile, juice the lemons.2 large lemons
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and the sugar.1½ cups granulated sugar, ¼ cup all purpose flour
- Add the eggs and lemon juice, whisking to combine.4 large eggs
- Pour lemon filling over baked shortbread crust.
- Bake 20 more minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into bars.
Notes
Video
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Lemon bars remind me of summer parties when I was a kid, they were always on the dessert table. Seeing this recipe makes me want to make them this summer!
You should!
Yes, those would disappear quickly here too, we are huge lemon lovers!
We are too, especially during the warmer weather!
Lemon bars are so dang good and these look perfect
Aren't they though? Thank you!
I LOVE lemon bars! I can't wait to try these ones.
I hope you enjoy them!
These look perfect! I can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Thank you!
Hi Carlee, I'm a sucker for anything lemony (or chocolatey). These look right up my street and would be a perfect way to use up the excess lemons on my parents lemon tree! Think I'll be trying these this weekend!
xx
Me too! These would be a perfect way to turn a couple of those lemons into dessert!
Lemon bars are one of my favorite treats. Maybe it is because the are a little lighter in texture and I feel like lemons are healthy. 🙂
Yeah, I'll take my vitamin C in dessert form any time!
Lemon Bars would be the perfect way to bring in spring! They are a favorite of mine!
I forgot how much I liked them until recently. Now I'm hooked again!
Wow Carlee, these lemon bars sound so good! Thanks for the recipe. Hope you have a great day!
Thank you, Julie!
You know I love lemon so I can only imagine how well the fresh lemons enhance this goodness! Super YUM and a very happy Friday!
It tastes so bright and delicious! Thanks, Andrea!