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A lemon bard on its side showing the texture next to other cut squares of lemon bars topped with slices of grapefruit and lemons

Easy Lemon Bars- 3 ways to make!

These lemon bars are so easy to make, using only 7 ingredients you probably already have at home.
5 from 3 votes
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Course: bars
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dairyfree desserts, easy lemon bars, lemon desserts, lemon recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 467kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Equipment

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 cup butter or butter substitute softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Filling

  • 6 eggs large
  • 1 cup lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice fresh or bottled
  • 1-2 tsp zest
  • 2.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all purpose flour

Instructions

Make the crust

  • Preheat your oven to 325° F and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving a 2"overhang on the sides.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, confectioners sugar, flour, and salt. Mix on medium speed until a soft ball of dough forms. The dough should come together in one piece and not be sticky.
  • Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. The crust is ready when the middle is firm and the edges are golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes.

Make the filling:

  • Raise the oven temperature to 350°F. In a medium sized bowl whisk the eggs, juice, zest, sugar and flour until it is combined well and foamy looking.
  • Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 30 mins.
  • The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the top is foamy and slightly firm. The middle should still be a little jiggly.
  • Cool the bars on the counter for 30 minutes then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Cut and serve cold with dusted confectioners sugar and more zest!

Notes

Using fresh juice is preferred from bottled if you can!
To get one cup you will need:
  • 2-3 grapfruit depending on size
  • 6-8 lime depending on size
  • 6-8 lemons depending on size
You can also try Meyer lemons in this recipe!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Lemon Bars- 3 ways to make!
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 467 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 123mg41%
Sodium 216mg9%
Potassium 93mg3%
Carbohydrates 72g24%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 47g52%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 592IU12%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.