Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe
Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars are a deliciously tangy and sweet treat featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a bright, zesty lemon filling. This classic dessert balances a tender base with a smooth, citrus-packed layer, finished with an optional dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-16 lemon bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the lemon filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
For serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing until just combined to form a dough.
- Press and bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the lemon filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and ¼ cup all-purpose flour in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
- Bake the lemon bars: Pour the lemon mixture over the hot baked crust and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize brightness and flavor.
- Do not overbake the filling to keep it soft and creamy rather than dry or rubbery.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely for easy slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, Pioneer Woman recipe, lemon bars recipe, lemon dessert bars, easy lemon bars