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Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe

Sara Collins
The Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe is bright, sweet and perfectly tangy. These classic dessert bars have a buttery crust and a smooth lemon filling.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Bars
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the lemon filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

For topping

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Prepare the Crust Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, salt and softened butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly and soft.

Press the Crust Into the Pan

  • Place the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly across the bottom. This creates a solid base for the lemon filling.

Bake the Crust

  • Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for about 18 minutes. It should become lightly golden and firm.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

  • While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together until smooth. Add flour, lemon juice, lemon zest and baking powder.

Mix the Filling Well

  • Continue whisking the mixture until it becomes smooth and slightly thick. Make sure there are no lumps. The filling should look creamy and bright yellow.

Pour Filling Over the Crust

  • Remove the crust from the oven. Carefully pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Spread it gently so the layer stays even.

Bake the Lemon Bars

  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 20 to 22 minutes. The filling should look set but slightly soft in the center.

Cool the Bars

  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Cooling helps the lemon filling become firm enough for slicing.

Add Powdered Sugar and Slice

  • Dust the top with powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy the bright lemon flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Do not overbake the lemon filling. It should stay soft.
  • Let the bars cool fully before cutting.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Chill the bars slightly before serving for cleaner slices.
  • Add extra lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Lemon Bars Recipe