Classic Lemon Bars

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Cookies bars Easy

A buttery shortbread crust topped with a set, tangy lemon custard and a dusting of powdered sugar. Simple, bright and reliable. Makes 16 bars in about 2 hr 5 min.

Prep 20 min

Cook 45 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 2 hr 5 min

Yield 16 bars

Ingredients

Adjust yield

bars

½ cup (115 g)unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (190 g)all-purpose flour, for the crust
7 tbsp (50 g)powdered sugar, for the crust
1 pinchsalt
3 (150 g)eggs, large
1 cup (200 g)granulated sugar
¼ cup (30 g)all-purpose flour, for the filling
1 tbsp (6 g)lemon zest
½ cup (120 ml)fresh lemon juice
2 ½ tbsp (20 g)powdered sugar, for dusting, for the to finish

Fresh ingredient guides

LemonsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 24 kcal per 84 g

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Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) square pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
Mix the butter, 190 g flour, 50 g powdered sugar and salt until crumbly, then press firmly into the pan.
Bake the crust 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges.
Whisk the eggs, granulated sugar and 30 g flour until smooth. Whisk in the zest and juice.
Pour onto the hot crust and bake 20 to 24 minutes, until the center barely jiggles and is just set (160 F / 71 C).
Cool completely in the pan, then chill 1 hour for clean cuts.
Lift out, cut into 16 bars with a sharp knife wiped between cuts, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips

Zest before juicing, and use fresh juice for the best flavor.
Dust the sugar right before serving; it melts into the filling.
Do not overbake; the filling turns rubbery and browns.
The filling contains eggs and is baked until just set (about 160 F / 71 C). Refrigerate leftovers.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic lemon bars?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 16 bars.

How should I store classic lemon bars?

Refrigerate up to 4 days in a covered container; freeze up to 2 months.

Can I make classic lemon bars ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Serve it with iced tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 16 servings this recipe makes.

178 Calories / serving

6.9g Fat

26.9g Carbs

2.7g Protein

15.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (16 servings): ~2848 cal · 110g fat · 430g carbs · 43g protein · 254g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.