Easy lemon bars are made from a box mix, have a buttery shortbread crust, and a bright, tangy lemon filling. They are simple to make and perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want a classic lemon dessert.
Tangy Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are one of those desserts that are always a favorite. The crust is soft and buttery, the filling is bright and citrusy, and the powdered sugar on top finishes them off perfectly.
I love to make these tangy lemon treats from scratch, but sometimes I don't have time to cook the filling, so I will grab this lemon bars mix at the grocery store. They are super easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients and slice beautifully once chilled.
If you love lemon desserts that are sweet, tart, and easy, you should also try our delicious lemon pound cake!
Ingredients
- Box Lemon Bars mix
- Lemon Zest
- Eggs
- Butter
- Water
Helpful Tools for Baking Success
- Baking pan (8×8 or 9×9)
- Citrus zester
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Mixing bowls
How to Make Quick Lemon Bars
Basically, we are going to follow the package instructions with one little addition, which is totally optional.
- Prepare your baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, add your crust ingredients and melted butter. Stir together until a crumbly dough forms.
- Gently press this crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, make your filling mixture.
- In a separate bowl, add lemon filling, eggs, water, and the zest of 1 small lemon (this is optional).
- When crust is finished baking, remove from oven. Stir lemon mixture one more time and then immediately pour over the hot crust.
- Return pan to the oven and bake for 24-26 minutes.
- Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.
- Cool completely before topping with powdered sugar and slicing.
Tips For Perfect Lemon Bars
These dessert bars have the right balance of sweet and tart without being too sharp. The crust holds together well and doesn’t get soggy, and the filling sets clean so the bars slice neatly. They travel well, store well, and taste even better the next day.
- Line the pan with parchment paper so they lift out easily.
- Let the bars chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for neat squares.
How to Store Lemon Bars
Store lemon bars in the refrigerator (covered) for up to five days.
You can also freeze for up to three months. Before serving frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Other Recipes to Try:
Easy Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 Box Lemon Bar Mix Krusteaz
- 3 Large Eggs
- 3 Tablespoons Butter melted
- 1/3 Cup water
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest about 1 small lemon
Instructions
- Prepare your baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Shortbread Crust
- In a small bowl, add your crust ingredients and melted butter. Stir together until a crumbly dough forms.
- Gently press this crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes.
Filling Mixture
- While the crust is baking, make your filling mixture.
- In a separate bowl, add lemon filling, eggs, water, and the zest of 1 small lemon (this is optional).
- When crust is finished baking, remove from oven. Stir lemon mixture one more time and then immediately pour over the hot crust.
- Return pan to the oven and bake for 24-26 minutes.
- Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.
- Cool completely before topping with powdered sugar and slicing.