Ina Garten’s Lemon Bars

There’s nothing quite like the fresh, zesty aroma of baked lemon bars wafting through your kitchen. Ina Garten’s Lemon Bars are a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. The entire process takes about an hour from start to finish, and the key to their success lies in using fresh lemon juice and zest for that bright flavor.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a refreshing dessert, whether it’s for a picnic, a family gathering, or simply as a sweet treat at home. You can prepare these lemon bars a day in advance, and they store well in the refrigerator, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The buttery crust provides a perfect, crumbly texture that complements the smooth filling.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars an unbeatable tanginess.
• They’re simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and steps.
• These bars taste even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your lemon bars:

For the Crust

• 1 c butter, softened at room temp (or 2 sticks)
• 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 2 c all purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the Filling

• 6 eggs, room temp
• 3 c granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp grated lemon zest
• 1 c freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 c flour

For Serving

• Powdered sugar (for dusting the bars)

Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice.
• Granulated sugar can be replaced with cane sugar.
• You can add a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

How to Make It

Start by preparing your oven and baking pan.

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line Pan

Line a 9×13 pan with foil, allowing the ends to hang over the sides (do not use parchment). Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.

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Cream Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer.

Mix Crust Ingredients

Add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture and mix just until large crumbles form.

Press Dough

Press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring to build the crust up on all sides.

Bake Crust

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until VERY lightly golden brown. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before starting the filling mixture.

Whisk Filling Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, zest, and lemon juice.

Pour Lemon Mixture

Pour the lemon mixture into the cooled crust.

Bake Filling

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set (it can be slightly jiggly in the middle). Allow to cool to room temperature and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (best overnight).

Cut and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil and set on a large cutting board. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars and serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: yes, suitable for freezing up to 3 months.
Reheat: serve cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better blending.
• Don’t skip cooling the crust to prevent sogginess.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these bars alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks.
• Great as a light dessert after a rich meal.

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