Meyer Lemon Bars Recipe
These Meyer Lemon Bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a tangy, sweet lemon filling made from fresh Meyer lemons. The balance of sweet and citrusy flavors makes for a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. The bars bake to a lightly golden crust with a luscious, slightly jiggly center, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden.
- Make the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and flour in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice and lemon zest, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Bake the Bars: Once the crust is hot out of the oven, pour the lemon filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar & Slice: After the bars have cooled (or chilled), dust them generously with powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
Notes
- Using Meyer lemons provides a sweeter and less acidic flavor than regular lemons, but regular lemons can be substituted if unavailable.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting it.
- For cleaner slices, chill the bars for at least an hour before cutting.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The crust can be prebaked slightly longer for a crunchier texture if preferred.
Keywords: Meyer lemon bars, lemon dessert, citrus bars, lemon squares, baked lemon bars, easy lemon dessert