Meyer Lemon Bars

Name: Meyer Lemon Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (omit if using salted butter); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature, beaten; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 3 large lemons); 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

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Meyer Lemon Bars are the perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. These bright citrus treats, featuring a luscious lemon curd filling on a tender shortbread crust, bring the sunshine of California’s citrus season to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a springtime brunch, or just want a zesty dessert to share with family, these Meyer Lemon Bars are simple, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. With their naturally sweeter flavor compared to regular lemons, Meyer lemons shine in this easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Meyer Lemon Bars

These Meyer Lemon Bars are not only a visual delight with their golden color and powdered sugar finish, but they’re also a flavor-packed treat that suits many occasions. The rich, buttery shortbread crust balances the sweet-tart citrus topping, making them a versatile dessert you can bring to potlucks, serve at holiday gatherings, or freeze for later enjoyment.

Thanks to the naturally less acidic Meyer lemons, these lemon bars are smoother and slightly sweeter than traditional versions. Plus, the recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers while offering enough flavor complexity to impress any citrus lover.

What You’ll Need: Meyer Lemon Bar Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
Confectioners’ sugar: Adds light sweetness and helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a rich, buttery base and helps the crust hold together.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

For the Meyer Lemon Filling

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the lemons.
Eggs (room temperature): Add richness and help set the filling when baked.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the lemon custard slightly without making it gummy.
Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift to the filling for a slightly airy texture.
Meyer lemon juice (freshly squeezed): The star ingredient, offering a fragrant, sweet-tart citrus flavor.
Kosher salt: A touch to enhance all the flavors.

Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives

No Meyer lemons? No problem.

Regular Lemons: You can substitute Eureka or Lisbon lemons if Meyer lemons are unavailable. The flavor will be more tart, so consider reducing the sugar slightly or adding a splash of orange juice for sweetness.
Salted butter: If you use salted butter for the crust, omit the additional kosher salt.
Gluten-Free Flour: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour to make these lemon bars celiac-friendly.
Cane sugar or coconut sugar: These can be used in place of white sugar for a more natural sweetener, though they may slightly darken the color of the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Meyer Lemon Bars

Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch glass baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Shortbread Crust
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and mix just until combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is just barely golden.
Prepare the Lemon Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, lemon juice, and kosher salt until smooth. The mixture should be well-blended but not over-mixed to avoid excess air.
Bake the Lemon Bars
Pour the lemon filling over the warm, pre-baked crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Optional: garnish with thin slices of Meyer lemon for a beautiful finish.

Expert Tips to Perfect Your Meyer Lemon Bars

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temp for better mixing and texture.
Weigh Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale for precision in baking, especially for flour and sugar.
Don’t Overbake: Watch closely in the final minutes—overbaking can lead to rubbery texture.
Use Parchment Paper: This makes removing and slicing the bars clean and easy.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting the bars cool for 1–2 hours helps the filling fully set.
Powdered Sugar Timing: Dust just before serving so it doesn’t dissolve into the topping.

Pairing Ideas and Flavor Variations

Serve With

A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
A side of fresh berries or berry coulis
Lightly sweetened iced tea or citrus-infused water

Flavor Variations

Coconut Crust: Add shredded coconut to the shortbread base for a tropical twist.
Spicy Citrus: Mix in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm spice note.
Lavender Lemon Bars: Add food-grade dried lavender to the filling for a fragrant variation.
Gluten-Free: Swap with a trusted gluten-free 1:1 flour mix.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba (texture may vary).

Make-Ahead Tips

These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped for up to 3–4 months. Dust with powdered sugar only after thawing and just before serving.

Meyer Lemons: The Citrus Star of Baking

Meyer lemons are a baker’s dream ingredient. Their natural sweetness and floral aroma elevate desserts without the overly sharp tartness of regular lemons. In recipes like these lemon bars, they deliver a balanced citrus profile that allows both the crust and filling to shine. Their season—typically winter through early spring—makes these bars a wonderful treat to brighten up cold months or celebrate the start of warmer weather.

From backyard gatherings to afternoon tea, Meyer Lemon Bars offer a sunny slice of sweetness no matter the season. Their ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and elegant appearance make them a go-to citrus dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Conclusion: Sunshine in Every Bite

Meyer Lemon Bars are the embodiment of citrus bliss, offering a delicate balance of tart and sweet on a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Their simplicity makes them approachable for any home baker, while their vibrant flavor and elegant presentation make them stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, hosting a celebration, or simply craving a refreshing dessert, these lemon bars are a sunny slice of joy you’ll reach for again and again.

With just a few pantry staples and fresh Meyer lemons, you can whip up a batch of these classic bars that freeze well, travel easily, and always impress. So stock up on Meyer lemons while they’re in season — and prepare to fall in love with every zesty bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Meyer lemons and regular lemons?

Meyer lemons are a cross between a traditional lemon and a mandarin orange. They have thinner skin, a sweeter and less acidic flavor, and a more floral aroma than regular lemons like Eureka or Lisbon. This makes them ideal for desserts like Meyer Lemon Bars, where a gentle citrus flavor is preferred.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?

It’s not recommended. Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh, bright flavor that makes these bars stand out. Plus, it often contains preservatives that can negatively affect the taste and texture. Always opt for freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice for best results.

How do I store Meyer Lemon Bars, and can they be frozen?

Meyer Lemon Bars should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, cut the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3–4 months. Dust with powdered sugar after thawing, not before freezing, to maintain their classic look.

More Relevant Recipes

Meyer Lemon Curd Recipe: A silky, tangy companion to any dessert, this lemon curd uses fresh Meyer lemons to deliver a bright flavor similar to Meyer Lemon Bars. Perfect for layering in tarts, spreading on scones, or swirling into yogurt.
Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe: These soft, buttery cookies dusted with powdered sugar offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a zesty Meyer lemon twist. A delicate and delightful citrus treat reminiscent of the bars’ sweet-tart flavor profile.
Meyer Lemon Pound Cake Recipe: A rich and moist loaf that highlights the floral sweetness of Meyer lemons. Ideal for brunch or dessert, this cake is a citrus lover’s dream and shares the same fresh flavor notes as the lemon bars.

Meyer Lemon Bars – Best Recipe for Tangy Citrus Bars

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