Bake Sale Lemon Bars

Sweet and tangy, these Bake Sale Lemon Bars are the perfect treats to brighten up any day.

With a buttery shortbread crust and a silky lemon filling, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a great addition to any bake sale or potluck!

Ready Time

1 hrs 10 mins

Yields

5 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.

Add in the softened butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Bake the crust for 20-22 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.

Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add in the flour and whisk until smooth.

Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and smooth the top.

Bake for an additional 22-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 5 bars and serving.

Notes

Make sure to use room temperature butter for the crust, it will make a huge difference in the final texture. Don’t overwork the crust mixture, you want it to resemble coarse crumbs, not a dough.

When you’re pressing the crust mixture into the baking dish, make sure to get it into the corners and edges, it will help the bars hold their shape.

Don’t skip the cooling process, it’s essential to let the bars chill before slicing, it will help them set properly and make them easier to slice. Use a high-quality lemon for the best flavor, the brightness of the lemon will shine through in the filling.