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The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World

April 3, 2018 by Kaylynn Zoe 75 Comments

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Are you ready for the worlds best lemon bars? I’ve got you. These are the best lemon bars in the world. Our family loves these ooey gooey lemon bars – there is nothing that compares. They just are the BEST lemon bars. Don’t even try to argue with me here, because I’m telling you…. NO WAY. The best lemon bars ever.

The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World, featured by top US food blog, Among the Young: image of Lemon Bars on a plate

Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World

It is NOT hard for me to tell you why these are the best and ONLY lemon bars you need in your life:

1. The thick, buttery crust. Pretty standard on a good lemon bar, right? (So why is it that SO FEW lemon bars actually have this?!)
2. Ooey, gooey lemony filling – not curdled or crunchy. This stuff literally oozes out with each bite you take. It’s a mess and it’s so worth it.
3. The powdered sugar topping – because extra sugar is not a bad thing … ever! This also makes a huge mess. Have you ever tried eating something without breathing? Because trying if you do accidentally breathe through your nose you spray the room with powdered sugar. It’s a magical, messy treat.

The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World, featured by top US food blog, Among the Young: image of powdered sugar on Lemon Bars
Combine all three of these components and you’ve got a masterpiece of lemon bars. I wish I was exaggerating, I really do. These lemon bars are some of my most favorite treats – and here’s the kicker: I don’t even love lemon stuff! In fact, I loathe most lemon treats. It’s just not my thing.

The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World, featured by top US food blog, Among the Young: image of Best lemon bars
When I was pregnant I would die for all things sour and lemony, but NOTHING was strong enough. Does that make sense? We tried making these lemon bars when I was expecting and added even EXTRA lemon juice. No luck. All I tasted was delicious shortbread and powdered sugar topping. Not bad, but I couldn’t taste any lemon. Crazy, right?

The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World, featured by top US food blog, Among the Young: take a bite of the best lemon bars
These best lemon bars are a staple at family events – my family knows how to make really really REALLY good desserts. And we always need them at family events, otherwise the event isn’t complete. (Like my mom’s chex mix and Lake Powell – I’m being so serious).

The Best Lemon Bars Recipe in the World, featured by top US food blog, Among the Young: image of The best Lemon Bars ever

Ooey Gooey Lemon Bars Recipe

The best key lime bars featured by top Utah food blog Among the Young: image of key lime bars with a bite taken out of it
Print Recipe

The Best Key Lime Bars Recipe in the World

Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Anisa Scalora

Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter room temperature
  • 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 6-7 TB lemon juice
  • 1 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1/3 c. flour
  • Powdered sugar for topping

Instructions

  • Mix first four ingredients together (butter, powdered sugar, flour, salt) with a pastry cutter.
  • Grease a 9x13 pan.
  • Pat the flour mixture into the 9x13.
  • Bake at 350 for 20 minutes (DO NOT let it get brown, keep it light!)
  • Cool slightly (or don't! I've had great success pouring the lemon mixture right on top and throwing it back in the oven!)
  • In a blender, blend remaining ingredients (eggs, lemon juice, sugar, and flour) until frothy. (30 seconds or longer).
  • Pour over crust.
  • Bake your lemon bars at 350 for 20 minutes (Convection should be 325 for 20 min)
  • Remove from oven and top with powdered sugar. (bars MAY have large bumps in it - Totally normal!)

Troubleshooting:

  • If the middle is not baked all the way (aka - super jiggly) after the 20 minute baking time you may not have blended your egg mixture long enough.
  • Try baking for a few extra minutes. Your lemon bars may still be delicious but not gorgeous.
  • TRY AGAIN! Don't be afraid to give it another go! Sometimes - for no reason at all - these don't set up.
*This best lemon bars recipes post was originally posted in 2015 and has been updated

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged With: bars, lemon

Comments

  1. Kirsten says

    March 15, 2016 at 11:29 AM

    Lemon bars were a go to recipe we had as kids because we usually had all the ingredients on hand, and well they are so yummy! I have actually not made them in years and lost the recipe we always used. I am pinning and will totally make these. They look delicious! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      July 2, 2016 at 2:45 PM

      5 stars
      This is my second time making these!! These are seriously the most delicious lemon bars I have ever eaten! This recipe is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
      • Kaylynn Zoe says

        July 6, 2016 at 9:55 PM

        Kristen! You’ve seriously just made my night! I’m so glad you like these and had such success! Hugs and loves babe! Mwa!

        Reply
    • Christine says

      December 22, 2018 at 7:35 AM

      5 stars
      I’ve made this recipe for the last 2 to 3 years for Christmas treats! Rave reviews and so delicious

      Reply
      • Kaylynn Zoe says

        December 22, 2018 at 12:51 PM

        You just MADE MY DAY! What a fabulous tradition!!

        Reply
    • Norma says

      February 6, 2024 at 12:22 PM

      5 stars
      I have made these lemon squares for at least a decade. The only thing different is the salt.
      I will try it.

      This is my most asked desert at work.

      Reply
  2. Justine says

    April 17, 2016 at 12:58 PM

    Just made these, followed the recipe exactly and they were delicious!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      April 26, 2016 at 9:39 AM

      So glad you liked them babe!

      Reply
  3. Katie says

    April 20, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    While definitely tasty I was disappointed that they don’t have more of a lemon flavor.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      April 26, 2016 at 9:37 AM

      Katie, I totally understand and I actually agree. I’ve tried adding more lemon to the recipe and it doesn’t work. Sadness. This is a classic for my family though, so I love it even though the lemon flavor isn’t super strong.

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        May 1, 2016 at 12:29 PM

        Add some fresh lemon zest and use fresh squeezed lemons instead of juice in a bottle.

        Reply
        • Nicole says

          July 28, 2016 at 4:46 PM

          I agree with kathy! I could not find lemon juice in a bottle so i freshly squeezed the lemons and I felt it was exstremely lemoney especially for only 6 tbs! I LOVE these!!!

          Reply
          • Kaylynn Zoe says

            July 29, 2016 at 11:57 PM

            This makes me so happy! So glad you made them and loved them!!

  4. Yvonne says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:24 AM

    What type of flour did you use? I’m in the uk so we have plain or self raising. I’m assuming it’s plain flour?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      April 28, 2016 at 11:39 AM

      Yes – just regular flour!!

      Reply
  5. jeannie says

    April 29, 2016 at 5:41 PM

    I like a bit more lemon flavor as well. I used the zest of 2 lemons and the juice.. between 2/3 – 3/4 cup. You could also use lemon extract.

    Reply
  6. Chelsea says

    May 7, 2016 at 11:23 AM

    After I baked it for 20mins it’s still liquidy, is it suppose to set in the frig!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      May 7, 2016 at 11:30 AM

      Oh no!! Where do you live?? Did you blend it until it was frothy??

      Reply
      • Stacy says

        May 8, 2016 at 7:44 PM

        4 stars
        I don’t think I blended well enough can it be saved? The middle is liquid!

        Reply
        • Kaylynn Zoe says

          May 8, 2016 at 9:04 PM

          GAH … I hate to say it, but I think you’re past salvage-able. If it wasn’t blended enough there’s no way I can think to fix it. Try again!! It’s worth it I swear! Some catches are fickle. Blend more. Lots more.

          Reply
  7. Alyssa Christensen says

    May 23, 2016 at 3:46 PM

    Did you use cold butter and mix with dry ingredients using pastry cutter so it is crumbly or melt the butter first! Also, do you grease your pan? I made these and they were SO good but the crust stuck to the pan so they didn’t look very pretty 🙂

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      May 23, 2016 at 4:40 PM

      OH SHOOT! Neither! I did ROOM TEMP butter so it was nice and cold. And YESSS grease the pan! I’m so sorry – I’ll update the recipe now. I’m a failure. 🙂 Try them again and you’ll be golden babe!

      Reply
  8. Chelsea says

    June 12, 2016 at 9:55 PM

    Do you think I’d have to change anything up if I use convection baking? Trying to make these for a surprise birthday party this weekend for my mom and I have no time for a trial run 🙁 and also, I don’t want to over blend, but I do want them to be right! Is it possible to over blend? How long do you think it took to blend until the consistency was right for you? Thanks for your help!!!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      June 12, 2016 at 10:23 PM

      Chelsea,
      I don’t have a convection oven, but my parents do. My understanding is you lower the oven temperature 25 degrees but bake the same amount of time. You SHOULD be fine.

      As for the blending, it IS possible to over-blend, but I’ve never had a problem with it. I have a Blendtech blender and it’s “blended” within seconds. However, I usually go 30 seconds or longer to be sure it is FROTHY. I need to see how long I blend – I’ll add that. Thanks babe and I hope that helps!!

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth says

    September 25, 2016 at 6:13 AM

    These truly are delicous! Made two batches yesterday and these lemon bars are so light and not over sugary, Thanks for the recipe, I will be saving this one!!!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      September 26, 2016 at 12:13 PM

      Oh this MADE MY DAY!! I am so glad you liked them! Hugs your way babe!

      Reply
  10. Christina says

    November 22, 2016 at 6:07 AM

    5 stars
    What is “tb” lemon juice?

    Reply
  11. Christina says

    November 22, 2016 at 6:09 AM

    5 stars
    What is “tb” lemon juice? What does the tb mean?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      November 22, 2016 at 6:44 AM

      It’s TABLESPOON ??

      Reply
  12. Holly says

    February 21, 2017 at 7:16 PM

    I have made these already 2 times for family gatherings and everyone LOVES them 🙂 My mom who works at a bakery says these are the best she has had!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      February 21, 2017 at 7:52 PM

      Holly! You just made my day!!! Seriously – where are you guys? I’m in Utah and my dream is to open a bakery!!!

      Reply
  13. Amaya says

    January 28, 2018 at 10:26 AM

    Hi , these look delicious! I plan on my making these today but can you tell me how many bars this recipe makes ?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:55 AM

      Oh yay! I’m so excited for you!! It makes a 9×13 pan – so a fair amount (if you plan on sharing)! ??

      Reply
      • Amaya says

        January 28, 2018 at 5:14 PM

        Thanks ? . They came out great and are so delicious! I will definitely be making these again ?

        Reply
  14. Angela R. says

    April 29, 2018 at 11:55 AM

    5 stars
    These were easy to make and tasted amazing! I used freshly squeezed lemon juice.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:16 PM

      Oh my goodness this comment made my day!! Thank you so much for sharing babe!

      Reply
  15. Pam says

    May 21, 2018 at 3:05 PM

    Can these be refrigerated over night?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      May 21, 2018 at 3:52 PM

      I’ve never refrigerated these – I’d cut them and put them in an air-tight container or use the lid for my 9×13. No refrigeration necessary!

      Reply
  16. Katie Clark says

    June 6, 2018 at 9:25 AM

    5 stars
    These really are the best lemon bars in the world! I found that the lemon flavoring was perfect – not too much (as if there would be such a thing) and not too little. They were so easy to make, and everyone loved them…maybe a little too much, because they disappeared way faster than they should have for a family of four! I’ve seen other recipes that have been based off of this one, but I assure you – this is the one you need to be following.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      June 6, 2018 at 10:12 AM

      Katie my love, you really are the best human in the whole world!!! Love your face!!

      Reply
  17. Kathy C. says

    July 26, 2018 at 10:52 AM

    I just made these last night, and oh how good they were. I didn’t have lemons, so I substituted lemon concentrate and it tasted just fine, I did the 6 TB and worked out just fine, also I beat the egg mixture for over a minute to help make it gooey, thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      July 26, 2018 at 12:14 PM

      Kathy! This just made my day! And concentrate? You are a GENIUS!! Concentrate!!! The world is your oyster – I’m thinking guava bars need to be up next!

      Reply
  18. Debra Saheb says

    August 28, 2018 at 9:58 PM

    5 stars
    Made this recipe this afternoon. Very lovely! Nice tip about making sure the egg mixture is blended well.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      August 28, 2018 at 11:01 PM

      Debra! I’m so glad you tried my recipe!! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  19. Katie L says

    December 22, 2018 at 10:33 AM

    5 stars
    I’ve made these several times now and I love this recipe. I’ve made many other recipes, even my moms, and none are as easy and tasty as these. Most other recipes never set up fully or have a very thin crust, not good eats! This is my go to lemon bar recipe.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      December 22, 2018 at 12:52 PM

      YESSSSS! Lemon bar success! Thanks a million babe!!

      Reply
  20. lori says

    August 16, 2019 at 10:22 AM

    4 stars
    i would have given this recipe a 5 star review but i thought it lacked a true lemon taste. Granted, it may have been my lemons so if i was to make this again, i will not use real lemons. My crust did not brown so i believe since i was waiting for that, i left it in a few minutes too long. easy fix. this was an easy recipe to make and with a few adjustments, it will definitely be worthy of 5 stars.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      August 19, 2019 at 9:33 AM

      Lori, I actually AGREE with you 100%! It’s the strangest thing …. sometimes it tastes fine, and other times I don’t taste lemon at ALL (that’s usually when I’m pregnant)! Feel free to add a few extra tablespoons of lemon – that’s what I do! See if that enhances the lemon flavor!!

      Reply
  21. Paula Cammalleri Gizzarelli says

    November 18, 2019 at 12:30 PM

    The best way to make filling is add eggs first beat for awhile then sugar, beat those together for awhile then mix four and lemon juice until there are no lumps and add into other ingredients and blend for 20 minutes there should never be lumps if there a lumps its cause by the flour that’s why i mix it with a liquid in the flour same with cornstarch if you want a short cut use use no fail Sheriff Lemon Pie filling add a bit of lemon zest and 2 tsps of lemon juice for extra, extra lemon flavour very lemony

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      December 9, 2019 at 10:10 AM

      Paula, you are SO right! However, I am lazy 😉 (not at all actually) and my blender is a BALLER. I’ve never had any clumps and the filling is always SUPER smooth and lovely. You COULD always start with the wet ingredients, pulse for a few seconds, and then add the dry ingredients if you’d like, but I’ve never had any problems.

      Reply
    • Marjorie says

      October 12, 2022 at 6:05 AM

      5 stars
      Paula Cammalleri Gizzarelli – your advice was great! I just made these with a whisk (not a blender), and was worried about the resulting consistency of hand-whisking so many ingredients together. I followed your advice – beating the eggs alone, then beating the sugar into the eggs. Mixing the flour and lemon juice (and I also added lemon zest!) in a separate bowl. Then I whisked the egg & sugar as I added the flour / lemon mixture. Great results! Have yet to taste the masterpiece but have high expectations!

      Reply
      • Kaylynn Zoe says

        October 13, 2022 at 12:59 PM

        I can’t wait to hear what you think!!

        Reply
  22. Melissa says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:12 PM

    5 stars
    My husband loves these bars! Thank you for posting. Are you able to freeze them?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      April 20, 2020 at 1:50 PM

      Hey Melissa! I’m so glad your husband likes these! They are some of the best, right? As for freezing, I’ve never tried that …. they never last long enough at my house!

      Reply
  23. Carrie says

    May 26, 2020 at 7:02 AM

    Do you make these in a glass 9×13 pan? Or is aluminum baking pan okay as well?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      May 26, 2020 at 3:21 PM

      I’d recommend a glass 9×13. I’ve never tried it on a baking sheet ….. I don’t know if that would work.

      Reply
  24. Sofi says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:53 PM

    5 stars
    I found this recipe on Pinterest and my family LOVES it. I’ve done it 3 or 4 since the quarantine started it, my parents, sister and I are obsessed. Thank you so much, you’re amazing 💕

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      June 22, 2020 at 9:11 PM

      Oh my YAY!!! This just made my whole day! Thank you so much for sharing!! I actually made these the other day with key lime / lime juice and WHOA they are to DIE for!! Thanks again!!

      Reply
      • Sofi says

        October 30, 2020 at 6:36 AM

        Omg that’s a great tip! I’ll definitely try that someday! Thanks again!! <3

        Reply
  25. Nicole says

    December 26, 2021 at 10:55 AM

    5 stars
    Yup, these are goooood! Have made them a few times now and very happy with the results. Just the right amount of lemon tartness and sweetness. Not overly sweet and not too tart. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      December 26, 2021 at 10:59 AM

      Nicole! This makes me so happy! I’m so glad you tried them and loved them! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😀

      Reply
  26. Kari Q says

    May 21, 2022 at 6:25 PM

    Lemon in a bottle does not compare to fresh. Trust me!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      May 21, 2022 at 7:55 PM

      Oh my goodness you’re SO RIGHT!! Whys haven’t I done this with fresh lemon? I bet that would be WAY more tart and just the flavor I’m looking for! THANK YOU!!

      Reply
  27. Joanie says

    December 16, 2022 at 11:10 AM

    Just curious why the recipe ingredient list has key lime juice and the instructions say lemon juice?

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      December 16, 2022 at 11:43 AM

      Whoops! Simple typo on my part! Thank you for the heads up – it’s been fixed! Happy baking!

      Reply
  28. Dawn says

    July 5, 2023 at 9:13 PM

    3 stars
    These looked and tasted good but the crust was too crumbly and didn’t hold together (was not overcooked), and they were a little too gooey (it looked perfectly set after baking, so I would not have left it in any longer than I did). Put together you couldn’t eat them with your fingers because they just fell apart. Followed all instructions exactly. Still yummy though.

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      July 5, 2023 at 10:02 PM

      Oh no! I’m so sorry they didn’t turn out for you! How long did you wait after baking them? I usually make them the morning of or even the day before and they’ve usually set up by then.

      Reply
  29. Meghan says

    August 20, 2023 at 5:40 PM

    I love these lemon bars! The texture of the bars is not what I was expecting coming out of the oven (didn’t seem as gooey, more cakey) but after I let them cool and added the powdered sugar they were perfect. Everyone goes nuts over them!

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      August 20, 2023 at 8:59 PM

      I’m so glad you love them! They are probably one of my favorite desserts of all time!!

      Reply
  30. Athina says

    February 24, 2024 at 9:53 AM

    5 stars
    Hi Kaylyyn thank you for the great recipe! You think this lemon bars freeze well? And if yes for how long? Thank you for your time

    Reply
    • Kaylynn Zoe says

      February 24, 2024 at 5:05 PM

      I’m so glad you tried them and liked them!
      I actually haven’t frozen them before – they are always the first gone at the party – so I don’t know! I’m so sorry!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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About me:

About me:

Kaylynn is an avid treat-eater who is believes the world would be a kinder place if we all ate more desserts.

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