Lemon Pie Bars

These old-fashioned Lemon Pie Bars are the perfect balance of buttery shortbread crust and bright, tangy lemon filling.

With a rich, smooth texture and a refreshing citrus flavor, they’re the kind of classic dessert that never goes out of style.

Every bite delivers a sweet and zesty finish that tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holidays, or an easy weekend dessert, these lemon bars come together with simple pantry staples and bake into thick, soft squares dusted with powdered sugar.

The buttery crust holds up beautifully under the silky lemon topping, making them irresistible for lemon lovers.

Servings: 32 bars
Yield: 32 bars

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the confectioners’ sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and forms a soft dough.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to create the crust layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
  5. While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling by whisking together the eggs, white sugar, remaining 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest for about 1 minute until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the hot baked crust.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lemon layer is fully set.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely before dusting generously with confectioners’ sugar.
  9. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Chefs Notes

  • Fresh lemon juice gives these bars the brightest flavor and best texture.
  • Thick-skinned lemons tend to provide more zest and a richer citrus aroma.
  • For cleaner slices, chill the bars before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Add extra lemon zest on top for an even stronger citrus flavor.
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