Name: Lemon Cream Bars with Powdered Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for topping); 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

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Lemon Cream Bars with Powdered Sugar are a delightful citrus dessert featuring a buttery crust, a smooth lemon cream filling, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Their light, tangy flavor and elegant presentation make them ideal for spring and summer occasions or as a bright finish to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring basic ingredients but yielding bakery-quality results. The combination of creamy lemon filling and tender shortbread crust is both refreshing and indulgent. Their vibrant taste and lovely appearance make them a go-to dessert for entertaining, gifting, or enjoying with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Sweetened condensed milk
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest
Egg yolks
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven.
Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9–12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Add a graham cracker crust instead of shortbread for a different texture.
Use lime juice for a tropical variation.
Top with whipped cream or a thin lemon glaze for added richness.
Incorporate coconut into the crust for a unique twist.
Add a layer of fresh raspberries before pouring the filling for a fruity touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars are best served chilled. Freezing is also an option; wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Do not reheat.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?

Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan and use softened, not melted, butter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Do I need to refrigerate after baking?

Yes, chilling helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavor.

What’s the best way to slice them cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly first helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Are these bars very tart?

They’re pleasantly tangy but balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk and powdered sugar.

Can I use lemon curd instead of making the filling?

You can use lemon curd, but the texture and set may differ.

How long do they last in the fridge?

They will keep well for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Bars with Powdered Sugar offer a bright, creamy, and refreshing dessert option that’s as easy to prepare as it is elegant to serve. With their perfect balance of sweet and tart, these bars are destined to become a favorite for any occasion.

Lemon Cream Bars with Powdered Sugar

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Lemon Cream Bars with Powdered Sugar are a zesty and creamy dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, a rich lemon custard filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are slightly golden.
Let cool completely in the pan, then dust with additional powdered sugar before slicing into bars.