Lemon Chess Bars

May be an image of potpie and shepherd's pie

Lemon Chess Bars: A Bright, Buttery Southern Classic with a Citrus Twist 🍋

Lemon Chess Bars are the kind of dessert that instantly feels like sunshine on a plate. They combine a rich, buttery crust with a smooth, tangy lemon filling that’s sweet, slightly tart, and irresistibly creamy. Inspired by traditional Southern chess pie, these bars are simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for gatherings, bake sales, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

What makes Lemon Chess Bars special is their balance: the crust is firm and tender, while the lemon filling sets into a soft, custard-like layer that practically melts in your mouth. Best of all, this recipe comes together with everyday ingredients and no complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the crust

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the lemon chess filling

4 large eggs, at room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornmeal
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the baking pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bars much easier once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Make the buttery crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes together into a soft, thick dough.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth, even layer.

Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, just until it is set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.