Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

Name: Classic Lemon Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Vegetable oil, for greasing; 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, diced; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, plus more for garnish; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 8 lemons)

Servings: persons

Vegetable oil, for greasing
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, diced
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 8 lemons)

1
Make the crust: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with vegetable oil and line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; grease the foil with oil.
2
Pulse the butter, flour, both sugars and the salt in a food processor until the dough comes together, about 1 minute.
3
Press evenly into the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides of the prepared pan, making sure there are no cracks.
4
Bake until the crust is golden, about 25 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, make the filling: Whisk the whole eggs and yolks, sugar and flour in a bowl until smooth.
6
Whisk in the lemon zest and juice.
7
Remove the crust from the oven and reduce the temperature to 300 degrees F. Pour the filling over the warm crust and return to the oven.
8
Bake until the filling is just set, 30 to 35 minutes.
9
Let the bars cool in the pan on a rack, then refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
10
Lift out of the pan using the foil and slice.
11
Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
12
Photograph by Stephanie Foley

1255

kcal

Calories

Fat

199

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Vegetable oil, for greasing, 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, diced, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, and more.

Yes, Classic Lemon Bars falls under the Drinks & Smoothies category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Classic Lemon Bars

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions