Sara'S Lemon Bars
A buttery lemon bar with a sweet, tangy filling that melts in your mouth—a perfect dessert for gatherings or a quick treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth. Press the mixture into a 2 x 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve perfectly smooth lemon bars, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar and salt. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you're in a pinch, you can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Also, remember to sift the flour to avoid clumps for a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon bars are delightful on their own, but you can enhance their presentation by dusting them with extra powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon break or a dessert at a gathering. For a special occasion, serve them alongside Happy'S Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sara'S Lemon Bars contains roughly 1062 calories, with 12g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, lemon bars taste even better after they have chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prepare them a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
What can I do if my bars are too tart?
If you find your lemon bars too tart, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice in the filling next time. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top before serving to balance the tartness. Pairing them with a sweet dessert like No Bake Choco-Scotch Clusters can also help.
How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the center has set but may still have a slight jiggle. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).