When I Shared Greg and Katherine’s amazing lemon bars a while back, I told you about my favorite lemon bar recipe. I have had this recipe for years and it was and still is my go to recipe for lemon bars. I have tried quite a few other recipes and they always turn out, too sweet or too sour. Some have too little crust (I love the crust part almost as much as the lemony part) or their topping is too gooy or too eggy (is that a word?).
This recipe on the other hand is just right. To me, it is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The crust uses a recipe that is my favorite base for any bar cookie. The lemony topping is creamy, yet its very top is crackled and has the faintest crunch to it.Biting into it feels like a blast of flavor and refreshment exploded in your mouth. 
Lemon bar
For the crust
3/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
For the lemon topping
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon water
To make the crust
Whisk the flour and sugar, then rub the butter into the mix with your finger tips
Press the flour, sugar and butter into the base of your baking dish (I used a 20 cm by 24 cm pan).
Bake in a preheated oven (375 F or 180C) on the middle rack for 15 minutes.
To make the topping
Whisk the eggs until pale, add the vanilla and sugar then continue whisking
Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk till combined.
Pour the topping over the crust and bake on the middle rack (180 C or 375 F) till the topping sets.
Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool completely
Cut it into squares and…
Enjoy 
Mark
/ November 2, 2012Hello Sawsan,
I made these a few days ago and they’re excellent. However, I did learn something with this recipe – it looked like the filling had set in about 12 min. and the top was beginning to become white so I took them out. It seems that I should have cooked at least another 8-10 min. to achieve the slight crackled top with more white color. My mistake, now I know for the next time around.
By the way, in a few weeks I’ll be making the Ballorieh K’nafe for which you sent me some additional instructions and tips. I’ll let you know how it comes out.
Bam's Kitchen
/ October 22, 2012I am crazy for lemony dessert recipes.Actually, I know I am different but I prefer lemon over chocolate… so this one is book marked.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ October 22, 2012I love lemony desserts too
I hope you will enjoy this one
asia
/ May 30, 2012directions say to add vanilla, but not how much
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 30, 2012So sorry for that , 1 teaspoon vanilla
Choc Chip Uru
/ March 19, 2012My friend, these look so deliciously lemony and are sure to leave a huge smile oni my face, especially if I eat a slice, batch, with lemonade
And thank you so much for subscribing – I hope you enjoy all to come!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 19, 2012Thank you for the beautful posts and interesting stories
Glad you like the lemon bars
ray
/ March 1, 2012These lemon bars look very light but at the same time they look very flavorful. Thank you for sharing, Sawsan.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 2, 2012Thank you Ray for stopping by
Ashley
/ February 29, 2012I just put mine in the oven! I was just curious what you would reccomend for the amount of time it takes for the filling to set?
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 29, 2012Hello Ashley, so sorry for the delayed responce. It took 20-25 min to set in my oven
I hope yours turned out great
Liz
/ February 29, 2012I’m always looking for the best lemon bar recipe…I’ll definitely try yours
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 2, 2012Thank you Liz, let me know how it turns out
Gourmantine
/ February 26, 2012Looks so lovely, your photos are just stunning!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 2, 2012Thank you so much Gourmantine, your comment means a lot to me
Angie@Angie's Recipes
/ February 26, 2012Adore tangy lemon bars! These look mouthwatering!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 2, 2012I love the tang of lemon recipes too, it is so refreshing
Hotly Spiced
/ February 26, 2012How did you get your slice of lemon to stand up like that! I love lemon slice. What a great recipe.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012I cut a small part of the circle for it to “stand” on
thank you for stopping by
Heather
/ February 25, 2012These look lovely & I’m ready to go pick some lemons to try it, but I cant see what size pan to use or even make a guess using number of servings. Please clarify & save me the brainwork? Thanks!!!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Hello Heather,
I am sorry for the delay. The recipe as written in for an 8×8 inch pan (20×20 cm) but I usually double it and bake it in a 9×11 inch (23×28 cm)pan
Anonymous
/ March 6, 2012Thanks!
- Heather
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 6, 2012You are most welcome Heather
thedrivencook
/ February 25, 2012Those lemon bars look heavenly!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you Ashley
Caroline
/ February 23, 2012I could eat lemon bars all day every day. One of my favorite desserts! I have my go-to lemon bar recipe as well, and yours look very similar. I’m going to have to give these a try. Speaking of which, I just realized that I’ve yet to post my actual recipe (only the lime bar version)!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012I look forward to your recipe Caroline, I am sure it will be amazing
England Furniture
/ February 23, 2012These lemon bars sound both tasty and refreshing. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Glad you like the recipe, thank you for stopping by
Deeps @ Naughty Curry
/ February 23, 2012they look lovely… even i like the crust part best… gonna try it out
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012thekalechronicles
/ February 22, 2012This made me get out a cookbook and look at ratios! I like lemon bars and will eat any of them, but I always think I want to devise one with a less-rich crust and more lemon flavor. The amounts of butter, lemon juice and flour vary widely.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Indeed the ratios do vary greatly and it comes down to which ratio you like best. I loved your idea for a coconut brown sugar crust
Korena in the Kitchen
/ February 22, 2012YUM! I love a good lemon bar. Greg and Katherine’s is on my list to make, and now this is too!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012I can’t wait to hear what you think of it
Kristy
/ February 22, 2012I have actually been thinking about lemon bars lately. My cravings are starting to kick in – I think I’ll have to give your recipe a try for sure! Yum!!!! I can already taste them.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you Kristy, if you give it a try I would love to hear what you think
Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
/ February 22, 2012I don’t allow myself desserts all that often, Sawsan, but a simple lemon bar is one of my favourites! I too love the contrast of the tartness of the filling and the pastry of the crust. Not to mention they look totally amazing, so light and fresh. Your photos are beautiful, at the risk of sounding like a broken record! I have a similar recipe that I’ve been using for years. A few years ago I made Lime Squares and they were quite nice — more pastry than pie-ish as yours are, but quite nice non-the-less http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/lime-squares/
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012I loved the almond topping on yours Eva, it must make for a very interesting texture and add to the flavor
Chica Andaluza
/ February 22, 2012I really, really need to make these…I have lemons on my tree waiting to be made into something fabulous!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Oh how I wish I had a lemon tree! their blossoms are the most beautiful in the world and the smell is out of this world!
Anonymous
/ February 22, 2012yummmmy
thanx Sona
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012You are most welcome
....RaeDi
/ February 22, 2012They look so delicate! My favorite fruit is the simple lemon! I again love your photography, you have captured it perfectly! I would love to have one… but I guess I will have to make a batch…
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you RaeDi for your sweet comment about my photography. You are always too kind.
I really hope you’ll enjoy these, if you make them please let me know
Asiya
/ February 22, 2012These look perfect! I have had the same problem with lemon bars…still haven’t found my favorite one. Will be giving yours a try soon..Thx for sharing!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012I really hope you’ll enjoy this recipe
if you do give it a try please let me know
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
/ February 22, 2012Those look amazing!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you Greg
pixilated2
/ February 22, 2012Sawsan, this looks easy, and it sounds delicious! I haven’t had a lemon bar for years… and I just brought home some lemons on Sunday.
OH yes, is that powdered sugar I spy sprinkled over the top, or is it my imagination? ~ Lynda
Ah, and before I forget again… Happy first blogging anniversary!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Lynda.
The top is not sprinkled with anything, that is the way they come out of the oven. the top of the lemon filling becomes crackles as if it was sprinkled with sugar
Maureen
/ February 22, 2012These lemon bars look so good!! I’m on a lemon kick right now and these will fit in nicely, thanks
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012So am I, I am using citrus fruit in everything! I hope you’ll enjoy this one Maureen
Stefanie
/ February 22, 2012I love lemon bars! These look so good
Nicely done!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you kindly Stefanie
Walter
/ February 22, 2012Lovely bars, I will try them out and I love your photos
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you Walter, I hope to hear what you think of them if you do
Purely.. Kay
/ February 22, 2012Your lemon bars just look so scrumptious and wonderful. I always loved the taste of lemons in desserts. Wonderful recipe
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012I love lemons in desserts too, they are so bright and refreshing
Charles
/ February 21, 2012Aaah, it’s like tiny, individual lemon meringue pies! How beautiful, I love it. I can totally imagine the taste, I just know I’d love it! Thanks for the excellent idea – I must give it a try
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012I am really glad you like them Charles, if you give them a try, I would love to hear what you think
ChgoJohn
/ February 21, 2012Lemon bars are soo good and yours, Giovanna, sound delicious. I must try these!
ChgoJohn
/ February 23, 2012Forgive me, Sawsan! I didn’t realize my mistake until I read Sharyn’s recipe. Some days I’d be better off staying in bed.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Please don’t worry about it John
we all make mistakes..we are only human
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
/ February 21, 2012Those do look like the king of all lemon bars. They’re beautiful and so are your photos. I can’t believe how fabulous your photos have gotten. I am so impressed!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012You are way too kind Geni! Your comment put a huge smile on my face!
Thank you so much!
Courtney
/ February 21, 2012Sold! I will definitely be making these sometime soon. I love a good balance of sweet and sour, too – and I totally trust your tastebuds.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you so much for the vote of confidence Courtney.
I look forward to hearing what you think of them
kankana
/ February 21, 2012One of my fav treat ! I don’t like when it’s too soft . This sounds lovely.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you Kankana, I like the crust part because it makes it firmer, and contrasts the soft topping
A_Boleyn
/ February 21, 2012I have, and have made, a number of lemon bar recipes but always been disappointed. Maybe this one will be the one for me too … chocolate gets to be too much for me quite often and I look for a fruit or citrus alternative. Thank you for sharing.
They look quite lovely.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012I really hope this one will be the one for you too.
Everyone needs a good fruity dessert
katep
/ February 21, 2012Just came across this recipe. It looks delicious. I love lemon, so fresh. I will definitely be trying thi.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you for stopping by Kate. I hope you’ll enjoy the recipe
isingcakes
/ February 21, 2012They look absolutely divine..such beautiful yellow colour!! Will surely try making those.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you Preeti
I look forward to hearing what you think of them
saffronandhoney
/ February 21, 2012Lemon bars are one of my MOST favorite things. This looks fantastic!!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much. Lemony treats are high on my fav list too
Beth @ Aunt Bs Kitchen
/ February 21, 2012Mmmmm! I love a good Lemon Bar! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you for stopping by Beth. I love lemon bars too. They are so refreshing and bright, they make the perfect gloomy day treat
Divya Yadava
/ February 21, 2012Lovely lemon bars, Sawsan! I agree that some recipes are too sour or too sweet. I’m always looking for the perfect balance – can’t wait to try this recipe out.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012And I can’t wait to hear what you think of it Divya
eva626
/ February 21, 2012these look so zesty and delish!!! love the colors and the photos came out great as usual!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Eva, your comments are always too kind
spree
/ February 21, 2012I had just thought I’d like to post a lemon bar…but with Greg and Katherine and now You, Sawsan, publishing such beautiful recipes, I’ll just move along. Your recipe looks wonderful, and your photography has me salivating (which, if there’s any doubt, is a very good sign!)
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012I am sure your recipe is beautful and amazing and I really hope you’ll publish it. I love the tips you add to recipes and your photographs are always a joy, so please don’t move along
Anonymous
/ February 21, 2012Sweet, my fav dessert, The slices of lemon threw me.. LOL I was thinking something using slices!! Thanks for the recipe!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012hehehe my bad!
Maybe next time it will be something with lemon slices