Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Frosted Lemon Bars

thetimelessbaker
Frosted lemon bars are a classic citrusy brownie-like bar full of lemon flavor. These chewy bars are perfect for when you want something light and refreshing!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
cooling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 215 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls of various sizes
  • standard 9”x13” baking pan
  • electric mixer or stand mixer

Ingredients
  

For the bars

  • 1 cup

    softened unsalted butter 


  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
  • 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract or baking emulsion
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract/baking emulsion
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 Tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the 1 cup

    softened unsalted butter 


     with the 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until fluffy.
  • Add in the 4 large eggs, one at a time, followed by the 2 Tablespoons lemon zest, 4 Tablespoons lemon juice and 2 teaspoons lemon extract or baking emulsion.
  • Whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; add in two separate batches to the wet ingredients.
  • Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan; bake at 350°F for 23-25 minutes.
  • Cool pan on wire rack; once cool, combine the ingredients for the frosting(3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon extract/baking emulsion, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 3 Tablespoons water) and spread on top of cooled bars.

Notes

  • You can substitute equal amounts of lime, orange or grapefruit for the zest, juice and extracts/emulsions in this recipe. 
  • Baking emulsions are water based and the flavor does not bake out as much as alcohol based extracts; my favorite brand is LorAnn and you can find them online or at specialty baking store
  • Store bars in an airtight container for up to three days
  • Freeze any baked bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
  • Can easily reduce this recipe by half; bake in an 8” x 8” pan for the same amount of time 

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 62mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 282IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetimelessbaker or tag #thetimelessbaker on Instagram!