Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tangy lemon tart bars resting on a buttery almond crust, baked to a golden finish and dusted with powdered sugar. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 53 minutes layers all-purpose flour, ground almonds, unsalted butter, cold and cubed into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 38 min Serves 9 French cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup ground almonds, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup cold cubed unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Step 2: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan, creating a firm crust. Bake for 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: While the crust bakes, whisk together 3 large eggs, 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
  5. Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar before slicing into squares and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust take to make?

Total time is about 53 minutes (15 min prep + 38 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon Tart Bars with Almond Crust?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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