Super Easy Lemon Bars

Looking for a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? These super easy lemon bars are the perfect solution! With a crisp shortbread crust and a bright, tangy lemon filling, these bars will bring sunshine to any day. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious treats!

Key Takeaways

• Simple recipe with just a few basic ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
• Can be made ahead and stored for several days
• Great for beginners and experienced bakers alike
• Customizable with different citrus fruits

Ingredients

Making the Perfect Shortbread Crust

Preparing Your Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out later.
3. Spray the paper lightly with cooking spray.

Mixing the Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter.
3. Stir everything until it looks like wet sand.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined baking dish. Make sure it’s even!

Baking the Crust

1. Put the crust in the oven for about 20 minutes.
2. Look for a light golden color around the edges.
3. While the crust bakes, make your lemon filling.

Creating the Tangy Lemon Filling

Mixing the Filling

1. In a bowl, crack and whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten.
2. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and mix until everything is smooth with no lumps.

Combining Crust and Filling

1. When the crust is done, take it out of the oven but leave the oven on.
2. Pour your lemon filling over the hot crust right away.
3. Put the dish back in the oven for about 25 minutes.
4. The filling should be set but might still jiggle slightly in the middle.

Finishing and Serving Your Lemon Bars

Cooling

1. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
2. For best results, put them in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cutting and Serving

1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper.
2. Dust the top with powdered sugar using a small sieve.
3. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemons: The taste is much better than bottled juice.
• Room temperature eggs: These mix better with other ingredients.
• Don’t overbake: The filling should set but still be slightly soft.
• Try different citrus: Orange, lime, or grapefruit can be used instead of lemon.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

These super easy lemon bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The crisp shortbread crust provides a wonderful base for the bright, zingy lemon filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious treat, these lemon bars are sure to impress! With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can enjoy homemade lemon bars anytime. Give this recipe a try and bring a little sunshine to your day with these super easy lemon bars!