Name: Lemon Pistachio Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

These Lemon Pistachio Bars are a perfect balance of tart and nutty flavors. With a buttery pistachio crust and a zesty lemon filling, they’re a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering or just as a sweet snack at home. The combination of citrus and crunch in every bite makes them a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

For the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in chopped pistachios, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.

Pour the lemon mixture over the partially cooled crust and return to the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.

Allow to cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Variations

If you’d like to try a twist on these Lemon Pistachio Bars, here are a few ideas:

Add berries: Adding a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries into the lemon filling will give the bars a fruity layer that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Swap the pistachios: If I don’t have pistachios on hand, almonds or walnuts work great as a substitute for the nutty base.

Add coconut: For a tropical vibe, I sometimes mix shredded coconut into the crust to give it extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

These Lemon Pistachio Bars store wonderfully! I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week to keep them fresh. If I want to enjoy them later, I reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked warmth and texture. If I prefer them cold, I simply enjoy them straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted ones?

I would recommend using unsalted pistachios for this recipe, as the crust already contains salt. If I use salted pistachios, I might want to reduce the salt in the crust slightly to avoid making the bars too salty.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, I can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for both the crust and the filling. Just be sure to check the specific blend’s recommendations for baking.

Can I freeze Lemon Pistachio Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze really well. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When I want to eat them, I just let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

How can I make the crust even more buttery?

If I want the crust to be even more buttery, I can increase the amount of butter to 3/4 cup, which will make it richer and more tender. I just need to make sure the crust isn’t too greasy when pressing it into the pan.

Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?

While lemon juice gives the bars a fresh and bright flavor, I could use lemon extract in place of the juice. I’d need about 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to replace the juice and zest from one lemon.

Conclusion

Lemon Pistachio Bars are a light, refreshing treat that balances the tangy zing of lemon with the rich crunch of pistachios. I love how simple they are to prepare, yet they always make a big impression. Whether I’m serving them for a spring gathering or just as an afternoon snack, they’re a delightful option for any occasion. Enjoy!

Recipe: