| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) | The base for the creamy, sweet filling |
| Lemon juice | ½ cup (120 ml) | Freshly squeezed is best for the brightest flavor |
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup (125 g) | Creates the soft, tender base |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and self-rising flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For clean, neat squares, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, classic finish, if you like. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Bars
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the bars the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice just doesn't compare.
Don't Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the base a little tough.
Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them neatly.
Let Them Cool Completely: This is important for getting clean, neat slices.
A Note on Ingredients
Self-Rising Flour: This flour already contains baking powder and salt, which are essential for the texture of the bars. If you don't have it, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Do not substitute with evaporated milk—they are not the same. Sweetened condensed milk is thick and sweet, and it's the key to the bars' creamy, chewy texture.
A Gentle Reminder
These 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars are a beautiful reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. They are a little bit sweet, a little bit tart, and entirely delightful. I hope they bring a little sunshine to your table.
