Can I substitute a different citrus juice?
You can experiment with grapefruit, orange juice, or lime to vary the flavor of your bars, but use less sugar when using sweeter citrus fruits.
Can I use a different baking dish?
A glass or ceramic 9×13 pan works wonderfully for lemon bars. Keep in mind that a glass pan bakes faster and darker than a metal pan, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
Make-Ahead Lemon Squares
Lemon bars keep exceptionally well in the refrigerator and freezer, making them one of my preferred make-ahead desserts.
- Refrigerating: If you plan to make these bars ahead, let them cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just before serving, dust them with powdered sugar.
- To Freeze: After the lemon bars are fully chilled in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish with a couple of layers of plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 months. You can also transfer leftover pieces to a freezer-safe zip bag for more convenient storage. The lemon custard won’t fully solidify in the freezer, so there’s no need to thaw them. They’re delightful straight out of the freezer.
