Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe

December 14, 2025
Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe are pure magic. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect. The buttery crust melts in your mouth.

The lemon filling is bright and refreshing. This Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe is easy to follow. You don’t need fancy skills to make them.

Just simple ingredients and love. I’ve made these bars countless times. They never disappoint my family or guests.

Whether it’s a party or afternoon tea, these bars shine. Learn how to make Ina Garten Lemon Bars today. You’ll love every bite of these delicious treats.

When I First Introduced to Ina Garten Lemon Bars

I discovered this recipe five years ago. My friend brought them to a summer picnic. One bite and I was hooked instantly.

The balance of sweet and tart was perfect. I begged her for the recipe immediately. She told me it was Ina’s famous version.

I went home and made them that weekend. My family devoured the entire pan quickly. Since then, it’s my go-to dessert recipe. These lemon bars bring joy to everyone.

Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Equipment List

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls (2 large ones)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lemon Bars

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter (2 sticks)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 4 lemons)
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Leave some overhang on the sides.
  • This helps lift bars out easily later.
  • Mix flour, sugar, and salt together.
  • Cut cold butter into small pieces.
  • Add butter to the flour mixture slowly.
  • Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
  • Press this mixture into your prepared pan.
  • Make sure it’s even across the bottom.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Crack eggs into a large bowl.
  • Add sugar and mix them well together.
  • Zest your lemons carefully over the bowl.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add it.
  • Whisk in the flour until completely smooth.
  • The mixture should be bright yellow.
  • Pour lemon filling over the hot crust.
  • Return pan to the oven immediately.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets.
  • The center should jiggle slightly when done.
  • Don’t overbake or they’ll be dry.
  • Let the bars cool completely in pan.
  • This takes about 2 hours at room temperature.
  • You can refrigerate them to speed this up.
  • Once cool, lift using the parchment paper.
  • Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
  • Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lemon Bars

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Bottled juice doesn’t taste the same at all.
  • Cold butter creates a flakier, better crust.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper step ever.
  • It prevents sticking and makes cutting easier.
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting them.
  • Warm bars will fall apart and look messy.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator always.
  • They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
  • Add extra lemon zest for more intense flavor.
  • Clean your knife between cuts for neat squares.

FAQs about Ina Garten Lemon Bars

Q: Can I freeze lemon bars?

A: Yes, they freeze beautifully for 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving them.

Q: Why is my crust soggy?

A: You didn’t bake the crust long enough. It needs to be lightly golden first. Pour hot filling onto the hot crust.

Q: Can I use lime instead?

A: Absolutely! Lime bars taste equally delicious and refreshing. Use the same amount of lime juice.

Q: How do I know when done?

A: The filling should be set but jiggle slightly. A toothpick won’t help test lemon bars. Trust the jiggle test every single time.

Q: Can I halve this recipe?

A: Yes, use an 8×8 inch pan instead. Reduce baking time by about 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe is amazing. It’s simple, delicious, and always impressive to serve. The ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Bars are basic.

You probably have most of them already. Learning how to make Ina Garten Lemon Bars is easy. Even beginners can master this dessert quickly.

These bars are perfect for any occasion. They bring sunshine to every gathering you host. Your friends will ask for this recipe guaranteed.

Make a batch today and enjoy the magic. These lemon bars will become your favorite too.

More Amazing Recipes

Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe

Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe are pure magic. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect. The buttery crust melts in your mouth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls (2 large ones)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter 2 sticks
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest about 4 lemons
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Leave some overhang on the sides.
  • This helps lift bars out easily later.
  • Mix flour, sugar, and salt together.
  • Cut cold butter into small pieces.
  • Add butter to the flour mixture slowly.
  • Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
  • Press this mixture into your prepared pan.
  • Make sure it’s even across the bottom.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Crack eggs into a large bowl.
  • Add sugar and mix them well together.
  • Zest your lemons carefully over the bowl.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add it.
  • Whisk in the flour until completely smooth.
  • The mixture should be bright yellow.
  • Pour lemon filling over the hot crust.
  • Return pan to the oven immediately.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets.
  • The center should jiggle slightly when done.
  • Don’t overbake or they’ll be dry.
  • Let the bars cool completely in pan.
  • This takes about 2 hours at room temperature.
  • You can refrigerate them to speed this up.
  • Once cool, lift using the parchment paper.
  • Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
  • Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Bottled juice doesn’t taste the same at all.
  • Cold butter creates a flakier, better crust.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper step ever.
  • It prevents sticking and makes cutting easier.
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting them.
  • Warm bars will fall apart and look messy.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator always.
  • They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
  • Add extra lemon zest for more intense flavor.
  • Clean your knife between cuts for neat squares.
Keyword Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe

Tasha Velez
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My name is Tasha Velez. I love food and traveling! I'm lucky to be married to the man of my dreams. We have a sweet little girl who makes everyone smile!