Grandma Ila Nelson's Lemon Dream Bars

Brighten up your dessert table with Grandma Ila Nelson's Lemon Dream Bars, a timeless recipe bursting with zesty citrus flavor and rich nostalgia. These delectable bars feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust made from a simple blend of all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter, creating a delicate base that perfectly complements the tangy filling. The luscious lemon topping—crafted with freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and a hint of baking powder for the perfect lift—is baked to golden perfection, resulting in a silky yet firm texture. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, these dreamy bars strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet. Ideal for spring gatherings, holiday treats, or any time you’re craving a citrusy dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in under an hour and serves up to 16 irresistible squares. Indulge in the magic of a traditional family favorite that’s as comforting as it is refreshing!

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 0.75 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 cups all-purpose flour (for topping mixture)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of powdered sugar for the crust. Stir well to combine.

Step 3

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 5

While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon topping. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and the 1/4 cup of flour. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 6

Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 7

Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.

Step 8

Dust the top of the bars generously with the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for garnish.

Step 9

Slice into 16 squares or desired size and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1431.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5072.4

Total Fat 214.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 128.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1260.7mg	0%
Sodium 550.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 758.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g	0%
Total Sugars 538.5g
Protein 55.9g	0%

Vitamin D 280.7IU	0%
Calcium 226.3mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 823.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.2%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 58.5%