With the combination of a buttery crust and a fresh, tangy lemon filling, this recipe for Old Fashioned Lemon Bars is refreshing and slightly indulgent! This simple dessert is a family favorite, with a burst of citrus in every sweet square.
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The Story Behind This Recipe…
There’s nothing quite like sharing something special with a friend. So, here’s one of those unexpected treasures in my life. I have a dear friend that I love whole heartily. He’s a great father, singer, writer, and coach and is an inspiration to many young people in our community. Now comes the interesting part of our friendship…it’s these lemon bars.
About twice a year, I get a phone call or text message from my friend asking if I could make some of these lemon bars for a co-worker of his. Every time he reaches out, I tell him the same thing – yes, I’ll make them, and no, I don’t want any money. Because what’s a few lemon squares between friends?
Ingredients For Old Fashioned Lemon Squares
- Unsalted Butter – softened
- All-purpose Flour
- Confectioners Sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Granulated Sugar
- Fresh Lemon Juice – for the best lemon flavor
- Lemon Zest
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
Steps For This Easy Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep by heating the oven, then grease and line the pan with parchment.
- Make the buttery shortbread crust and bake until golden around the edges.
- Zest and juice the lemons.
- Make the sweet lemon custard filling and bake again.
- Cool, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Pro Tip
Make sure to ZEST the lemons before juicing!
How Do I Know When Lemon Bars Are Done?
After baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, the filling should be set, the edges lightly golden, and a slight jiggle in the center when you shake the pan.
It’s important not to over bake the lemon bars, as they may become dry and lose their luscious texture. Remember that the bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to err on the side of slight under-baking rather than over-baking.
Tips For Making The Best Lemon Bars
- For the best flavor and bright taste, use fresh lemons and squeeze the juice yourself.
- Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before using them. This ensures easier mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly in the baking pan to create a solid base. This will prevent the crust from crumbling when cutting the bars later.
- Do not over bake.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely before cutting.
How To Cut Old Fashioned Lemon Squares
It’s easy to make clean cuts when cutting the lemon bars. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife with a thin blade.
- Gently lift the chilled bars from the baking pan using the overhanging parchment paper or by running a butter knife around the edges to loosen them. Dust with confectioners sugar before cutting.
- Mark the cutting lines. Lightly score the top of the bars with a knife to mark where you want to make your cuts. This will help you achieve evenly sized squares.
- After each cut, wipe the knife with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. This ensures clean and precise cuts without dragging or smudging the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions With Answers
Do lemon bars need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, they do. Store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Lemon Bars?
You bet! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make a gluten-free version of Old Fashioned Lemon Bars?
Yes. You can substitute a 1-to-1 ratio of gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour.
What To Serve With Sweet And Tangy Lemon Bars
If you are a lemon lover like me, then you’ll find any excuse to make these yummy bars. The tartness of the lemon curd filling and the cookie crust makes these squares perfect for serving as a light dessert after dinner. They are also great with coffee as an afternoon treat. And, of course, I love wrapping them up and sharing them with friends, neighbors, or someone who needs a little TLC.
More Of My Favorite Lemon Desserts
- Lemon Pound Cake
- Lemon Crème brûlée
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
- Lemon Icebox Pie
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
4.75 from 8 votes
Old Fashioned Lemon Squares
Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 362kcal
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With the combination of a buttery crust and a fresh, tangy lemon filling, this recipe for Old Fashioned Lemon Bars is refreshing and a little bit indulgent! This simple dessert is a family favorite, with a burst of citrus in every sweet square,
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (cut into pieces and at room temperature {plus more for the dish})
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (plus more for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – about 2 lemons
- zest of one lemon
Instructions
Crust
Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and butter.
Whisk flour, confectioners’ sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with fork or use your fingers to make a crumbly dough.
Press into the prepared baking dish. Bake 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack and let cool slightly.
Filling
Mix eggs, sugar, and flour in a bowl with a whisk.
Mix in the lemon juice and zest. Pour filling over crust and bake 25 minutes.
Transfer to a rack and let cool completely. Using parchment paper, lift from baking pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares.
Video
Notes
How To Store:
- Store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to a week.
How To Freeze:
- Place the lemon bars in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 50g
Did you make my Old Fashioned Lemon Squares?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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This post was originally published in August, 2016 and updated in June, 2023.
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Heather DahmIt’s easy to make an awesome to taste. Everyone loved it!
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