Ina Garten’s lemon bars are a classic dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious, tangy lemon filling. These bars strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, making them a refreshing treat for any occasion.

What Are Ina Garten Lemon Bars?

Ina Garten’s lemon bars consist of a crisp, buttery shortbread base and a smooth, zesty lemon filling made with fresh lemon juice and zest. The bars are baked until set, then dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Lemon Bars

The perfect balance of sweet and tart – The bright lemon filling contrasts beautifully with the rich crust.
Simple yet elegant – Requires only a few ingredients but delivers a bakery-quality treat.
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Easy to cut and serve – Great for parties, brunches, or afternoon snacks.
Uses fresh lemon juice – Enhances the flavor with natural citrus brightness.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Lemon Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Lemon Filling:

6 large eggs
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 cup all-purpose flour

For Garnish:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Lemon Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix the crust ingredients – In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press into the pan – Evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake until golden – Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

For the Lemon Filling:

Whisk eggs and sugar – In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and smooth.
Add lemon juice and zest – Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.
Incorporate the flour – Sift in the flour and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
Pour over the crust – Gently pour the lemon mixture over the warm shortbread crust.
Bake until set – Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool completely – Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar – Once chilled, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Pair with fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a natural sweetness.
Serve with whipped cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tart filling.
Enjoy with hot tea or coffee – Balances the sweetness of the bars.
Drizzle with white chocolate – Adds a creamy contrast to the lemon flavor.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut – Enhances texture and adds a tropical touch.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice lacks the brightness of fresh lemons.
Chill before cutting – Helps the bars firm up and makes clean slices easier.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper – Ensure easy removal of the bars.
Sift powdered sugar before dusting – Prevents clumps and creates a smooth finish.
Bake until just set – Overbaking can result in a rubbery texture instead of a soft, creamy filling.
Refrigerate for best flavor – Letting the bars chill enhances the lemon taste.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Add a hint of vanilla – A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth to the flavor.
Use Meyer lemons – Sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons.
Make a citrus blend – Combine lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a unique twist.
Incorporate a nutty crust – Replace some flour with almond flour for a subtle nutty flavor.
Top with lemon zest curls – Add a decorative and flavorful touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store for up to 4 days.
Do not leave at room temperature for long – The filling is best kept chilled.
Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw before serving – Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Serve chilled or at room temperature – These bars don’t need reheating.
Warm slightly for a softer texture – Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Avoid microwaving – It can make the filling too soft and alter the texture.

FAQs

Why did my lemon bars turn out runny?

Lemon bars can turn out runny if they are underbaked or if the filling isn’t properly mixed. Ensure you bake them until the center is set and slightly firm to the touch. Also, whisk the eggs, sugar, and flour thoroughly to create a smooth, stable filling.

How do you get clean slices when cutting lemon bars?

For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and dust it with powdered sugar after slicing it for a neater presentation.

Can I make lemon bars ahead of time?

Yes, lemon bars can be made in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed in the refrigerator before serving.

Why did my shortbread crust crumble when slicing the lemon bars?

A crumbly crust can result from not pressing the dough firmly into the pan or not allowing it to cool before adding the filling. Press the shortbread crust evenly and let it set slightly before pouring the lemon mixture over it.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s lemon bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth lemon filling.

Try this simple yet elegant recipe today and enjoy a refreshing bite of citrus goodness!