Easy Lemon Curd Bars

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/29/21
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Lemon Curd Bars

Kristina Vanni

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Cool: 10 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 9 servings
Yield: 9 Bars

If you love lemon bars for dessert but are short on time, try these quick and easy bars using store-bought lemon curd for the filling. These are different from regular lemon bars because not only are they easier to make, but the flavor is less tart. They are even topped with an almond and coconut crumble topping for added flair. Of course, it is also possible to make these bars with your own homemade lemon curd, if you prefer. They are the perfect light and elegant treat for a spring or summer soiree and pack up great for a picnic.

"These lemon curd bars were delicious. I loved the layer of lemon curd, and though it might seem like a thin layer compared to bars made with a homemade lemon filling, the intensity of the curd makes up for it! The coconut and almonds add some excellent crunch and the shortbread crust is wonderful." — Diana Rattray

lemon curd bars on a plate
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray, for the pan

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 10 ounces prepared lemon curd

  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F.

    Lemon Curd Bars ingredients

    Kristina Vanni

  2. Lightly coat an 8x8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

    8x8 pan sprayed with non-stick spray

    Kristina Vanni

  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

    softened butter and sugar mixing bowl

    Kristina Vanni

  4. In another bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

    dry ingredients in a different mixing bowl

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture and mix well.

    dry ingredients being added into creamed butter/sugar mix

    Kristina Vanni

  6. Set aside 1/2 cup of the dough mixture for the topping. Press the remaining into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

    reserved flour mixture in small bowl, remaining flour mixture being pressed into pan

    Kristina Vanni

  7. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

    crust pressed into prepared pan

    Kristina Vanni

  8. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

    baked crust cooling on wire rack

    Kristina Vanni

  9. Spoon the lemon curd over the cooled crust.

    prepared lemon cured being spread on cooled crust

    Kristina Vanni

  10. In a small bowl combine the coconut, almonds, and reserved dough mixture.

    reserved flour mixture, almonds and coconut in a small bowl

    Kristina Vanni

  11. Sprinkle over the lemon curd. Bake for 15 minutes. You will know the lemon bars are done when the topping is a golden brown color.

    topping on top of bars in pan

    Kristina Vanni

  12. Cool completely on a wire rack.

    baked bars in pan cooling in wire rack

    Kristina Vanni

  13. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

    powdered sugar being sifted on top of bars

    Kristina Vanni

  14. Cut into bars to serve.

    Lemon Curd Bars on surface

    Kristina Vanni

Tip

Prepared lemon curd is available in most major grocery stores in the aisle near the peanut butter and jellies.

Recipe Variations

  • If you love these bars, try the equivalent amount of lime curd or orange curd for different flavor variations.
  • This version is quick and easy, but a classic lemon bar recipe is always a family favorite as well.
  • Swap out the slivered almonds with chopped macadamia nuts.
  • Add flavor to the shortbread mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon of pure lemon extract.


Lemon Curd Bar Storage

These lemon curd bars do not need to be immediately refrigerated. You can store lemon curd bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Lemon curd bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost place in the refrigerator for 24 hours or at room temperature for 3 hours.

How long does lemon curd keep?

Lemon curd that has been properly sealed in a jar will keep unopened at room temperature for up to one year. Once the jar has been opened and unsealed, it should be refrigerated. The jar will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
332 Calories
18g Fat
41g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Amount per serving
Calories 332
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 10g 52%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Sodium 166mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 77mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)