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Old-Fashioned Lemon Bars: A Perfectly Tart and Sweet Grandma-Style Treat

Old-Fashioned Lemon Bars


  • Author: Helen
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 16-20 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A zesty, sweet, and buttery classic featuring a crumbly shortbread crust and tangy lemon filling, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Perfect for any casual or celebratory gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks), divided
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Mix 1½ cups flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a bowl; press dough evenly into a 13×9-inch parchment-lined pan
Bake crust 15 minutes, then let cool slightly
Adjust oven to 325°F (160°C);
Beat remaining 1/2 cup butter in a separate bowl, gradually add remaining 2/3 cup sugar, then 3 eggs until light and fluffy
Stir in lemon juice and zest
Pour filling over cooled crust
Bake 25-30 minutes, until center is just set
Cool completely in pan, then refrigerate 2-3 hours
Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into 16-20 bars

Notes

Chill crust fully before adding filling for clean slices
Use a sharp knife to cut bars after refrigeration
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days
Yield adjusts based on pan size: 12 larger (12×8-inch) bars or 24 smaller pieces

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg