If you’re searching for a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both sweet and tart, Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar simply can’t be beat. This sunshine-bright treat boasts a buttery shortbread crust, a silky-smooth lemon filling, and a billowy layer of snowy powdered sugar on top. Each bite offers that invigorating punch of citrus paired with a melt-in-your-mouth texture—making these bars the kind of dessert that vanishes at potlucks, brunches, and every family gathering you can imagine. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar, they’ll become your go-to recipe every single time a citrus craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar so addictive is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role. The buttery base, tart citrus filling, and signature sugary finish all come together with pantry staples and a few fresh lemons. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a quick tip for each one).
- Unsalted butter: Using softened, unsalted butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust without any overwhelming saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: A touch in the crust and a hit in the filling means every bite has just the right sweet sparkle.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the backbone for both the crust and the luscious filling—don’t skip the extra flour for the filling, it helps thicken it beautifully!
- Salt: Just a pinch deepens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: These provide rich structure, setting the filling just perfectly while making it velvety and smooth.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: For that authentic, tangy zing—use fresh lemons for maximum flavor.
- Lemon zest: The fragrant oils in the zest intensify the citrus aroma, making each bite irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Don’t forget this last flourish! A generous dusting on top creates that classic, cloud-like finish.
How to Make Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal later. This little bit of prep will guarantee your Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar pop out like a dream and look picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust
In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until fluffy. Mix in the flour and salt until you have a crumbly dough—it should just start clumping together. Press this dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are a delicate golden color. The buttery scent alone is worth the effort!
Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy—the fresher the juice and zest, the brighter your bars will taste.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
As soon as your crust comes out of the oven piping hot, carefully pour the lemon filling right on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set but still has just the tiniest jiggle. This creates that creamy, custardy texture Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar are famous for.
Step 5: Cool, Dust, and Slice
Let your bars cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off with picture-perfect slices. Once they’re cool, finish with a generous blizzard of powdered sugar. Be as liberal as you like! A good tip: chill the bars before slicing for extra clean edges. Now, cut into squares and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar
Garnishes
For a truly special touch, add a few extra garnishes alongside the signature snowy powdered sugar. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest, delicate edible flowers, or even thin lemon slices can make your Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar look absolutely irresistible. Serve on a pretty platter for maximum effect!
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments—think a bowl of ripe berries, a chilled fruit salad, or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving after a meal, balance out the brightness by partnering with a smooth vanilla ice cream or rustic shortbread cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar can be dressed up for any occasion! Try stacking them in a tiered dessert stand for a tea party, trimming the edges and cutting into tiny squares for bite-sized treats, or wrapping individual bars in wax paper with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. You could even shape them into diamonds for a touch of elegance at a special gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The powdered sugar will dissolve a bit over time, so you might want to dust again just before serving for that immaculate look and classic taste.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? These bars freeze beautifully! Slice and layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow bars to thaw overnight in the fridge, then dust with fresh powdered sugar. You’ll never know they weren’t baked that day.
Reheating
Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar are best served chilled or at room temperature, so skip the microwave and simply let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer a softer bite. If you’re pulling them from the fridge, a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar always revives their bakery-shop appeal.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, nothing replicates the zippy freshness that comes from real lemons. Fresh juice and zest are the secret to truly unforgettable Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar.
How do I get clean slices for serving?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This helps you achieve neat, bakery-worthy bars with perfectly defined layers every time.
Why is my lemon filling runny?
If your filling is still jiggly or runny after baking, it may need a few more minutes in the oven. Be sure to allow the bars to cool completely, as the filling continues to set as they rest.
Can I make Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still achieve a fabulously creamy center and crumbly base.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (such as a rimmed baking sheet), though you may need to increase the baking time slightly. Always keep an eye on your oven and test for doneness for best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar enough—they’re zesty, refreshing, and utterly foolproof, the perfect pick-me-up for any day that needs a burst of sunshine. Gather your lemons, invite a friend to bake with, and prepare to make this classic favorite your own. Enjoy every tart-sweet bite!
Print
Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tangy sweetness of these classic Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar. A buttery crust holds a luscious lemon filling, all topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Add flour and salt, mix until crumbly. Press into the pan and bake until lightly golden.
- Make the filling: Whisk sugar and flour, add eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Pour over hot crust and bake until set.
- Finish and serve: Cool, dust with powdered sugar, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill bars before slicing for cleaner edges.
- For extra tang, add citric acid or more zest.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
