Easy Lemon Bars are a refreshing and delightful treat that balances a sweet, buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling. Perfect for sunny days or as a sweet end to any meal, these bars are simple to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these zesty treats in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Easy Lemon Bars because they are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. They bring a bright, citrusy flavor that can lift your mood and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you are hosting a gathering, looking for a snack, or wanting to enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, these bars are the perfect choice. Plus, they can be made in advance and serve a crowd!
How to Make Easy Lemon Bars
Making Easy Lemon Bars is a straightforward process. You will start with the shortbread base and then pour a silky lemon filling on top. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup rice flour (or cornstarch/cornflour) (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup icing sugar / powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 110g / 1 stick unsalted butter (cold, cut into 1cm / 1/2″ cubes)
- 3 large eggs (55-60g/2oz each)
- 1 cup caster sugar / super-fine sugar (substitute with regular sugar)
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (do this before juicing)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (from 2 – 3 lemons)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 180C/350F (160C fan). Spray a 20cm/8″ square tin with oil and line it with baking/parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the bars out later.
Base: Place the Shortbread Base ingredients in a food processor fitted with the standard “S” blade. Pulse 5 to 10 times until it looks like sand. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also mix with your fingertips (Note 2). Pour the mixture into the tin, spread it out, and press it firmly into the base, pushing it up to the edges. A flat object can help to press it in evenly.
Bake the base for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the middle is pale golden. Remove it from the oven (⚠️ Note: do not let it cool; pour in the lemon curd immediately).
Lemon Curd: While your base is baking, combine the Lemon Topping ingredients in a bowl and whisk until everything is mixed well.
Pour the Lemon Curd onto the baked base and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping is set but still soft.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on the counter for 1 hour. After that, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Finally, slice it into 16 squares, dust with icing sugar (confectionery sugar), and serve!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Bars
Easy Lemon Bars are best served chilled and dusted with icing sugar. They make a delightful dessert when paired with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add some fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Store Easy Lemon Bars
Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a sweet treat whenever you crave one.
Tips to Make Easy Lemon Bars
- Make sure your butter is cold for a flakier crust.
- Sift the icing sugar to avoid any lumps in the filling.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; the zest and juice are key to the lemony goodness.
Variation
You can add a twist to the basic recipe by incorporating different flavors. Try adding some fresh herbs like mint or basil to the lemon filling for a unique taste. You can also substitute lime juice and zest for a lime version!
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?
- Yes, granulated sugar will work, but caster sugar dissolves more easily, creating a smoother filling.
Can I freeze Easy Lemon Bars?
- Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have rice flour?
- You can substitute rice flour with cornstarch or just use more all-purpose flour in its place.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Easy Lemon Bars! They are a treat everyone will love!
Easy Lemon Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- ¾ cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup rice flour (or cornstarch/cornflour) Note 1
- ½ cup icing sugar / powdered sugar sifted
- ¼ tsp salt
- 110 g unsalted butter cold, cut into 1cm / 1/2″ cubes
For the lemon filling
- 3 large eggs (55-60g/2oz each)
- 1 cup caster sugar / super-fine sugar substitute with regular sugar
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest do this before juicing
- ½ cup lemon juice (from 2 – 3 lemons)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180C/350F (160C fan). Spray a 20cm/8″ square tin with oil and line it with baking/parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the bars out later.
- Place the Shortbread Base ingredients in a food processor and pulse 5 to 10 times until it resembles sand. If you don’t have a food processor, mix with your fingertips. Pour the mixture into the tin, press it firmly into the base, and push it up to the edges.
- Bake the base for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the middle is pale golden. Do not let it cool, pour in the lemon curd immediately.
Lemon Curd
- While the base is baking, combine the lemon filling ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.
- Pour the lemon curd onto the baked base and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping is set but still soft.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on the counter for 1 hour. Then place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Finally, slice into 16 squares, dust with icing sugar, and serve.
