Super Fresh Lemon Bars
Bright, tender lemon bars with real lemon zest and juice in both the batter and the glaze — easy to make ahead, perfect for sharing, and consistently beloved even by people who think they don't like lemon.
Servings: 24
Calories: 195kcal
Ingredients
For the lemon bars
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 Tbs lemon zest (zest of about 1 lemon)
- 4 eggs
- 2 Tbs lemon juice (juice from about 1 lemon)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the lemon glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbs lemon juice (juice from about 1 1/2 lemons)
- 4 Tbs lemon zest (zest from about 2 lemons)
Instructions
For the lemon bars
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder into large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Pour batter into the baking pan and bake in the oven for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Do not over bake. Allow the lemon bars to completely cool on the counter.
For the lemon glaze
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest until combined.
- Pour the glaze over the lemon bars and spread evenly with offset knife or spatula. Allow to harden overnight (you can keep these on the counter or in the fridge overnight).
- Trim the edge and cut into squares for serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Note: The edges you trim are absolutely yours to eat — consider it quality control. The lemon flavor deepens on day two, so these are worth making ahead. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
