Today’s share is from my best friend’s kitchen in Ohio, a cherished family recipe from her mom’s recipe box – Nancy’s Deluxe Lemon Bars.
Nancy’s Deluxe Lemon Bars
This classic recipe for lemon bars has just 7 ingredients and is SO EASY TO MAKE! A delicious buttery shortbread crust is topped with a fantastic lemony, sweet and tangy filling then dusted with powdered sugar after baking. This pretty dessert can be made year round – perfect for parties, holidays or just because.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE DELUXE LEMON BARS
Flour, butter, powdered sugar, white granulated sugar, eggs, fresh lemon juice and baking powder.
HOW TO MAKE EASY LEMON BARS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For the shortbread crust, in a large bowl add flour, powdered sugar and butter, using a fork for mixing- dough will be crumbly/coarse (see photo).
Press dough into an ungreased 9×13 glass baking pan. Bake on middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Remove and cool.
While the crust is cooling, in a medium size bowl prepare the lemon filling. By hand, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, sugar, lour and baking powder – whisk until blended well.
Pour lemon filling over the baked shortbread crust, place in the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Remove, dust with powdered sugar while still hot.
Allow to cool, then cut into even squares. The recipe makes up to 35 bars, depending on desired size.
PINNABLE IMABE
Looking for more easy to make desserts? Check there out!
Nancy’s Deluxe Lemon Bars (Easy)
Ingredients
For the shortbread crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, at room temp
For the lemon filling:
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 good size lemons)
- 1 1/2 cups white/granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Dusting:
- additional powdered sugar for dusting top of bars (use desired amount)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For the shortbread crust, in a large bowl add flour, powdered sugar and butter, using a fork for mixing- dough will be crumbly/coarse (see photo).
Press dough into an ungreased 9×13 glass baking pan. Bake on middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Remove and cool.
While the crust is cooling, in a medium size bowl prepare the lemon filling. By hand, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, white sugar, flour and baking powder – whisk until blended well. Pour lemon filling over the baked shortbread crust, place in oven on middle rack and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Remove, dust with powdered sugar while still hot. Allow to cool, then cut into even squares.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
The recipe makes up to 35 bars, depending on desired size.
Tips
- To press shortbread dough in pan, lightly flour hands.
- You can dust with more powdered sugar if areas “melt away” during storage for a pretty presentation when serving.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Cheri
Use parchment paper.
Cheri
Made these today. Used lemon zest tossed in sugar, added to bar topping when it was baked half way. Delish!
Mary Stafford
Does this need to stay refrigerated?
Mary Neumann
Hi Mary,
Yes, store them in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Anna
What can I do for it not to stick to the bottom?
Mary Neumann
The crust is a buttery shortbread so their is no need to grease the baking dish, Anna. If you are worried, you can lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
D
Should the top part be firm once cooked for 25 minutes?
Cheri
Made these today. Used lemon zest tossed in sugar, added to bar topping when it was baked half way. Delish!
Cheri
Yes. They should have a lil’ light tan color or at least mine did.