The best lemon bars! A smooth & sweet lemon filling sits on top of a buttery shortbread crust for the most delicious lemon squares recipe. Plus these easy lemon bars are simple to make with only 8 ingredients!

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that are perfect to serve at any special occasion, potluck or picnic! This is seriously the best lemon square recipe ever. A smooth & sweet lemon filling sits on top of a buttery shortbread crust for a bright and sunny dessert that will have you coming back for seconds! 

These lemon bars are easy to make with only 8 ingredients. Since they need to be chilled they’re a great make-ahead dessert too! 

Lemon Bars: Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s discuss the ingredients in this lemon bars recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

• Salted butter. Unsalted butter or vegan butter can be used in place of slated butter. 
• All-purpose flour. Use an unbleached, all-purpose flour to make these lemon bars. Cake flour or pastry flour can be used, if necessary but I don’t recommend making substitutions. 
• Powdered Sugar. Technically you can omit the powdered sugar on the top, but I don’t recommend it. No substitutions in the crust. 
• Fine Sea Salt. If you use regular table salt (iodized) cut the amount in half. 
• Eggs. Use whole, large eggs at room temperature for the best results. 
• Granulated sugar. I typically use Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar  to make these lemon squares, but any white, granulated sugar works well.
• Lemon Juice. I use bottled organic lemon juice to save time – however you can squeeze your own lemon juice from fresh lemons (about 2) if desired. 

How to Make Lemon Bars

This lemon square recipe is super easy, but as always we’ll walk through how to make lemon bars step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video. 

Line an 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease, set aside. I like to cut the sides so the paper sits nicely in the pan for easy removal. 

Make the Shortbread Crust

To begin, make the shortbread crust. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and vanilla, then add flour, powdered sugar and salt and beat until coarse, large crumbs form (about 60-90 seconds). 

Transfer the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using lightly floured hands, press it into an even layer.

One the dough is pressed into the pan, gently poke holes with a fork into the shortbread, making sure not to go all the way through the dough.

Then, bake for 15 minutes, or until the top looks just set. Remove from oven and let cool.

Make the Lemon Bar Filling

While the crust is baking, make the lemon bar filling. Begin by whisking the eggs together in a large bowl. Then add the sugar and whisk vigorously. Next, add the lemon juice and whisk until combined. 

Finally, add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth

Assemble & Bake

Once the shortbread crust is baked and the filling is mixed, pour the filling over baked crust.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is set and just barely jiggly. 

Chill

Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours. 

Serve

Once the lemon squares are chilled, dust them with powdered sugar, cut into squares and serve cold. I typically cut this lemon squares recipe into 16 pieces because it is rich. 

Don’t forget to try our other favorite lemon desserts like lemon cookies (with a delicious lemon glaze), lemon poppy seed cake (or lemon poppy seed bread), lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting, and lemon pie!

Store

Store these lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

Freeze

This recipe can be frozen in two ways: 

1. Freeze the entire batch. If desired, let the lemon bars cool completely in the baking pan. Then wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to two months. To eat, transfer the pan of lemon bars to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, then cut, dust with powdered sugar and serve cold. 
2.  Freeze individual bars.  I prefer this method because you can pull out one or two at a time to enjoy. Let the bars cool completely, then cut them into squares. Place the squares on a baking sheet with space in between and put them in the freezer until hardened. Then wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 

Lemon Bars Recipe FAQs

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!

try these recipes

Lemon Pie

Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon Cookies