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Think of the best lemon bars recipe, and make it better by using Meyer lemons! These Meyer lemon bars are very lemony lemon bars with a nice floral touch!
Hi guys! How are you all doing? Are you tired of people asking you how you are doing!?
It’s weird times we’re in right now. I just feel like I can’t blather on about lemon bars without addressing the giant elephant in the room that is COVID-19! This weekend was so strange. It didn’t overly feel like a weekend, since all of the days have blurred together since the start of the social isolation period. We did get out and go for a couple of walks, but we hated whenever we’d pass by other people. At least everyone seems to be respecting the new norm, and we all give each other head nods and keep our distance.
I look forward to the day that we can go grab a coffee before our walk, head to the grocery store without wiping everything down the minute we get home, or VISIT WITH FRIENDS! Until then, I’ll try to keep up my regular posting schedule and bring you some delicious distractions from the craziness that is our current situation!
SO – these Meyer lemon bars!
Do you remember my Meyer lemon curd? I actually made these bars around the same time as the curd, but I’m only getting around to posting them now.
What are lemon bars, exactly?
Lemon bars are basically your downfall. Ha! They’re so addictive. It’s basically a gooey, lemony filling on top of a buttery shortbread crust. Swoon.
I always think of my Mom whenever I make lemon bars, because I remember her telling me a few times how once upon a time she made a pan of lemon bars and pretty much ate the whole pan to herself. Trust me, if you make these bars you will understand why!!
How do you make Meyer lemon bars?
The good (and bad, I suppose) news is that these bars are SUPER easy to make! Perfect for throwing together for a last minute treat.
You’ll start making these bars by putting together the easiest shortbread base. It consists of:
- unsalted butter
- powdered sugar
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- vanilla extract
Blend the powdered sugar together with the butter until smooth, then add the vanilla, followed by the flour and salt. Press it all into the bottom of an 8 x 8 pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly browned on the edges.
While the base is cooling, you can prep the filling.
Whisk together:
- eggs
- granulated sugar
- juice and zest of Meyer lemons
- a couple tablespoons of flour
- a bit of baking powder
Pour the filling over the shortbread crust, then bake everything for about 30 minutes, or until no longer jiggly in the center.
Allow the bars to cool, then cut them into squares. (Please don’t judge my terrible, terrible cutting skills).
You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a pretty look!
Do you have to use Meyer lemons for these lemon bars?
Nope! You can easily swap the Meyer lemon for a regular lemon. I have really enjoyed using Meyer lemons in my baking these days; I just love the flavor of them! They add a bit of a floral touch to the finished product, and they’re a bit sweeter. That being said, regular lemon bars are perfectly sweet and tart and DELICIOUS!
I’ve got a few other treats that I’ve been working on that I’m excited to share with you guys over the next few weeks. If you’re like me, in times of distress you turn to comforting food. For me, this often means desserts! Plus, I find baking and working with my hands super therapeutic.
If you can get your hands on some Meyer lemons, you need to save a couple for these perfect lemon bars!
Stay safe my friends!
Lovely lemon! Here’s some other lemon desserts I think you’ll love:
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Meyer Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Think of the best lemon bars recipe, and make it better by using Meyer lemons! These Meyer lemon bars are very lemony lemon bars with a nice floral touch!
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- juice of 2 Meyer lemons (+zest of 1)*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld electric mixer, combine together the butter with the powdered sugar on medium-high for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour and salt and beat again for another minute. Mixture will be slightly crumbly. Empty everything into the prepared baking pan, and press everything down firmly into the bottom of the pan, pressing firmly with your fingers. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are slightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool while you prepare the lemon filling.
- Using a zester, grate the zest of 1 of the Meyer lemons and set aside. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with the juice of both of the Meyer lemons along with the grated zest. Add the sugar, and whisk again to combine. Add the flour and baking powder and stir to combine. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and put the baking pan back into the oven for 30-32 minutes, or until the center of the filling no longer jiggles. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar.
Lemon bars will keep at room temperature, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
*If you do not have access to Meyer lemons you can substitute for regular lemons
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: desserts
- Method: oven bake
- Cuisine: american
I’m with you. The days are totally blurring together for me because I barely leave the house. Cookie is happy but I’m going stir crazy! Anyway, Meyer lemons are the actual best so I can’t wait to try these! Stay healthy!
I know, my kids are going a little bonkers too. I bet all of the pets are so happy about this isolating! Haha – thanks Kelsie. I love MEyers too!!
These are making me happy Katherine! We all need a little bit of sunshine in our lives right about now and these do the trick!
I totally agree. I’m making a lot of lemon things!!
Yum, these look so addictingly good!
Thanks Heidi!! They are definitely addictive!
I’m all about meyer lemon bars and these look like 100% TOTAL PERFECTION Katherine!!! I gotta save this.
YAY! Thanks Christie!! I love lemon bars too, they’re my weakness!
I absolutely love lemon bars and these look fantastic, Katherine! What a fun (and delicious) project! Can’t wait to give ’em a go! I know hubby would really enjoy too 🙂 Hope you are doing well!!
Yup, you’re right about weird times Katherine. I don’t mind the social distancing thing (We don’t like crouds anyway), but personally I find it a bit challenging to temporarily work from home. I do like it indeed, but it’s hard to control and distinguish the timeframes for your work and yourself / your home. Last weekend I started to do some work on Saturday morning, not realizing that it was the weekend haha. In my opinion, it’s crucial to FEEL it’s a weekend despite the confusing situation, for your mental health. And while options might be limited now, a cake is always a great way to enjoy your weekend, right? I am a huge fan of lemon cakes and bars, and this one looks fantastic; so luscious and refreshing. Stay optimistic!
It is DEFINITELY hard to work from home, it’s an adjustment for sure. My husband and I are lucky in that we’ve been working from home for a few years now, so that hasn’t been too hard to adjust to! But I agree, you GOTTA celebrate the weekend, and cake is a perfect way to do it! Thanks Ben. I hope you both are staying well!!
I so love them too, Dawn!! It’s a super fun baking project. I will have to make them again soon!
Lemon bars made even better with Meyer lemons!! Honestly, I love Meyer’s so much that I’ve been known to eat them straight, like an orange. To me they have the most wonderful floral/citrus flavor. So excited to try these, Katherine!
I definitely ate a few Meyers just like an orange too, Marissa! I just love the flavor too! So good. Thanks pal!
This is a very strange time we’re living in, and I only hope that we never see anything like this again. On a happy note, I love lemon bars! These look so sunny and bright, and I wish I had a stack to cheer me up! lol
It sure is, Marcie. I’m just waiting until a vaccine comes into play and life can (hopefully) go back to normal. These bars would definitely help cheer you up!
Mmmmmm….I need to check my fridge for lemons. I suddenly have a massive craving for lemon bars!! Hope you and your family stay well!!
Thanks Liz!! I hope you found some and I hope you make these bars!! Cheers!
I’m so with you on both how AMAZING these lemon bars look and the strangeness of the times! Lemon bars are one of the very first things I learned to make all by myself so they hold a special place in my heart. I’m completely crushing on your photos too ~ just beautiful, my friend!! Sending lots of love from the PNW and pray you all continue to stay healthy!
SO strange, right!? I’m still trying to wrap my head around things. That’s so sweet, I love that memory of lemon bars!! Thank you Tasia! Stay safe!!
I actually have some Meyer lemons and would love to give these a try! In addition to chocolate and carrot cake, anything lemon in dessert form gets my attention! And they look so bright and cheery, which is exactly what we all need right now!
I hear ya, Leanne!! I think we have very similar dessert tastes, haha. You’d love these!