Classic Lemon Bars (Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe)

Bright-tasting, lemony, and tangy, these Lemon Bars are wonderful to have during the holiday season along with your other favorite bar and cookie recipes. They include a creamy lemon curd filling and a shortcrust pastry that is buttery and crisp.

To make them, you begin by whisking eggs with sugar followed by melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Next, the mixture is heated on the stove before being thickened with cornstarch. Once thickened, it needs to cool so it is a nice, thick, spreadable consistency. The next step is making a pastry dough with butter, sugar, and flour. This dough gets rolled out and baked in a rectangular baking pan before being spread with the lemon curd and being baked again. The results are lemony squares with a buttery crust that are simply irresistible!

What are Lemon Bars?

Lemon bars, otherwise known as lemon squares, are basically desserts comprising a lemon curd filling and shortcrust pastry. They are also often dusted with powdered sugar for an attractive finish.

Lemon curd has English origins and is often served as part of afternoon tea in place of jam. It is wonderful spread on scones or added to tarts. Meanwhile, shortbread has Scottish origins, and comprises butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Shortbread classically has a buttery, yet sandy texture, and is a favorite of many during the Christmas holidays.

Whatever lemon bars’ origins, they have become a classic dessert during the holiday season in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Pro Tips

• Make sure you thoroughly whisk the lemon curd mixture to ensure that the eggs are incorporated so it is a homogeneous mixture.
• The butter that gets added into the lemon curd should be allowed to cool a bit after it is melted to ensure that it doesn’t curdle the eggs.
• When cooking the lemon curd on the stove, whisk it consistently to ensure it doesn’t scorch.
• If you find that the dough has firmed up too much in the fridge and that it is difficult to roll out, you can allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it has softened up a little.
• Pricking the shortcrust with a fork before baking will help it bake through evenly.
• Use a measuring tape to ensure you cut the lemon bars into even-sized squares.

What Do Lemon Bars Taste Like?

Lemon bars have a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The crust is buttery and slightly crumbly, while the filling is smooth, creamy, and zesty with a tangy citrus flavor from the fresh lemon. The sweetness from the sugar helps to balance the tartness, making each bite a refreshing combination of bright lemon flavor and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What to Serve with Lemon Bars?

These lemon bars only need to be served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pot of tea or cup of coffee. However, they also make a great addition to any festive cookie tray over the Christmas holidays.

Can I Use Other Fruit in This Lemon Bar Recipe?

Yes, the beauty of lemon curd is that the lemon juice and zest can be replaced with other types of citrus. Consider trying this recipe with oranges, grapefruit, or limes for a variation on this delicious bar recipe.

Can I Use a Square Baking Pan for Lemon Bars?

Yes, you definitely could! If you don’t have a rectangular baking pan, you could assemble these bars in two square-shaped pans instead. The depth of the bars may just be a little different.

Why Are There Bubbles on Top of My Lemon Bars?

Bubbles on top of lemon bars can occur when the filling is overmixed or cooked at too high a temperature. This can cause air to get trapped in the cream, leading to bubbles or a frothy texture as it sets. To avoid this, gently stir the filling and cook it over low to medium heat, ensuring it thickens slowly and evenly without creating air pockets.

Can I Make Them a Day Ahead?

Yes, you can! After baking and allowing them to cool, it's best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, and they can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

How to Store Lemon Bars

These lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I Freeze Lemon Bars?

Of course! They will also store well in the freezer for up to 4 months. If you dusted the lemon bars with icing sugar before storing them, you will likely need to re-dust them with icing sugar when you serve them.

More Lemon Desserts For Your Christmas Holidays

Lemon Cups

Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Posset

Lemon Pudding Tart

Lemon Charlotte

Lemon Pudding Cakes

How to Make Lemon Bars

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until smooth. Beat in the melted butter followed by the lemon zest and lemon juice.

Step 2: Pour the lemon mixture in a saucepan and heat it, while stirring constantly, until it is heated (do not let it boil). Whisk in the cornstarch, and continue cooking the mixture,  while constantly stirring it, until it is thickened.

Step 3: Remove the lemon curd from the heat, place a sheet of plastic wrap on top, and allow it to cool.

Step 4: For the shortcrust pastry, in a large bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until combined. Beat in the egg.

Step 5: Stir in the flour until a workable dough is formed. Knead the dough on a clean surface, shape it into a square, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll the dough out to a ½ centimetre thick and place it in a rectangular baking pan (34cm x 22cm). Trim the excess dough. Prick it all over with a fork. Bake the pastry in a 180°C (360°F) oven for 20 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Spread the lemon curd on top and continue baking the bars for another 20 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: When ready to serve, dust the bars with icing sugar and cut them into squares.