Old-Fashioned Lemon Bars Recipe (Easy 9×13 Pan Dessert)
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Old-fashioned lemon bars are one of those classic desserts that never go out of style. These easy lemon bars are made in a 9×13 pan with a soft, buttery crust and a perfectly tangy lemon topping. They’re simple to make, full of fresh lemon flavor, and taste just like the ones from a 1980s kitchen.
If you love easy desserts like these lemon bars, you’ll also love my pumpkin bars, coconut dream bars, and oatmeal cookies.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE LEMON BARS
- Made in a 9×13 pan – perfect for sharing
- Soft, buttery crust with a creamy lemon layer
- Easy ingredients you likely already have
- Classic, nostalgic flavor (just like mom used to make)
- Great for parties, potlucks, or weekend baking
INGREDIENTS
Crust
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Lemon Layer
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3 Tbsp. lemonade powdered drink mix
- 2 cups sugar
- â…“ cup lemon juice (or about 4 fresh lemons)
- ¼ tsp baking powder (updated)
Topping
- 1 Tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE OLD-FASHIONED LEMON BARS
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, knead together the coconut flakes, butter, flour, and powdered sugar until combined.
Press & bake:
Press the mixture into an ungreased 9×13 baking pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the lemon filling:
In another bowl, mix together the eggs, lemonade drink mix, sugar, lemon juice, and baking powder until smooth.
Pour & bake again:
Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust.
Return to the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes.
Check for doneness:
The top will still look soft and slightly moist — that’s perfect.
If it looks runny, bake an additional 5–10 minutes.
Cool completely:
Let the bars cool fully before slicing.
Finish & serve:
Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
EXPERT TIPS
- Don’t overbake — the center should be set but soft, not dry
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor
- Let them cool completely for clean slices
- Chill slightly before cutting if needed
VARIATIONS
- With or without lemonade mix: You can reduce or skip it for a more natural lemon flavor
- No fresh lemons? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch
- Extra tangy: Add a little extra lemon juice
- Smoother top: Strain the mixture before pouring
FAQ
Why are my lemon bars runny?
They likely need a few more minutes in the oven. The center should be set but still soft.
Do lemon bars firm up as they cool?
Yes! They continue to set as they cool.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely — they’re even better the next day.
SERVING & STORING
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Great for parties, holidays, or make-ahead desserts
💛These are seriously some of the most delicious lemon bars. They’re straight out of a 1980s kitchen — the kind of recipe you remember from childhood. Simple, classic, and always a hit
More Desserts You’ll Love
Here’s the printable recipe for you
Coconut Lemon Bars {So Easy and So Good}
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2&1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Top Layer:
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 3 Tbsp. lemonade powdered drink mix
- 2 cups sugar
- â…“ cup lemon juice = or about 4 squeezed fresh lemons
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
Topping:
- Powdered sugar for garnish and sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- In a medium-sized bowl, knead the coconut, butter, flour, and powdered sugar
- Press that down into an ungreased 9×13 baking pan
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until it is golden
- Meanwhile, mix the eggs, drink mix, sugar, lemon juice, and baking powder
- When the crust is done, pour the egg mixture the crust
- Pop that back into the oven for another 30-40 minutes
- After 30 minutes, check on the custard top. When the custard top is done it will still be quite moist. That’s ok. If it’s runny, stick it back in the oven to bake for another 5-10 minutes
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars
- Sprinkle the lemon dessert with powdered sugar
- Cut into bars
Notes
Nutrition
~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com
