National Lemon Bar Day

History of National Lemon Bar Day

National Lemon Bar Day was founded in 2019 by Michael McCarthy. He made lemon bars for a fundraiser bake sale and was surprised to discover that many people had never had a lemon bar before. Also called a lemon square, a lemon bar is a dessert bar consisting of a thin, shortbread crust and a lemon curd filling. Though they had long since featured in community cookbooks and local newspapers, the first widely publicized lemon bar recipe was printed in the “Chicago Daily Tribune” on August 27, 1962. Submitted by Eleanore Mickelson, the recipe included in ‘Today’s $5 Favorite Recipe’ column read, “Serve these cookies with fresh fruit for dessert or with glasses of cold milk or lemonade for snacks.”

After including a list of ingredients, the column provided detailed instructions continued: “Cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add one cup of flour and mix well. Spread in an ungreased pan, nine by nine by two inches. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Beat sugar into eggs gradually: Add salt and lemon juice. Add sifted baking powder and two tablespoons flour; mix thoroughly. Spread over the crust and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes longer. Cool, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and cut into squares.”

Another recipe that caught the attention of America was published in Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book in 1963. Its ingredients were nearly identical to that of Mickelson, except that it omitted flour for the curd. Today, lemon bars are a popular treat in America.

National Lemon Bar Day timeline

12th Century

Shortbread Arrives on the Scene

Shortbread originates in Scotland.

1492

Lemon Seeds Come to the New World

Christopher Columbus brings lemon seeds from Europe to the New World.

19th Century

Lemon Curd is Created

Lemon curd originates in England.

1962

Lemon Bar Recipe is First Publicized

The first widely publicized lemon bar recipe is published in the "Chicago Daily Tribune."

National Lemon Bar Day FAQs

When is National Lemon Bar Day?

National Lemon Bar Day 2026 falls on Thursday, October 15, inviting everyone to enjoy the zesty dessert mid-week. It’s the perfect occasion to brighten up your workday with a sweet and tart treat.

What makes a perfect lemon bar?

A perfect lemon bar in 2026 typically features a harmonious balance of sweet and tart, with a firm yet yielding lemon curd topping. The ideal bar rests on a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that provides textural contrast and a rich base.

Where did lemon bars originate?

While lemon bars have a long history in community cookbooks, the first widely publicized recipe appeared in the ‘Chicago Daily Tribune’ on August 27, 1962. This marked a significant moment in their journey to widespread popularity across the United States.

What's the difference between a lemon bar and a lemon square?

There is no difference between a lemon bar and a lemon square; the terms are used interchangeably to describe the same dessert. Both refer to the sweet treat with a shortbread crust and a tangy lemon curd filling, typically cut into square or rectangular portions.

National Lemon Bar Day Activities

Bake a lemon bar

If you can pull it off, celebrate by making a lemon bar yourself. Try your hand at a popular recipe and enjoy it with a cool glass of milk or lemonade.

Share a recipe

There are tons of easy and delicious recipes available on the internet or in cookbooks. Share a recipe you like with your family members and friends so you can all celebrate together!

Host a fundraiser

Do you have a charity close to your heart? Organize a bake sale as a way to fundraise for the charity and give the proceeds to a good cause.

5 Juicy Facts About Lemons

Lemon trees produce many lemons

A lemon tree can produce up to 600 pounds of lemons in a year!

Lemons have few seeds

An average lemon has about eight to 10 seeds inside.

Lemons act as preservatives

If you sprinkle lemon juice on apples and avocados, it might keep them from turning brown.

Lemons don’t have much juice

An average lemon contains about three tablespoons of juice.

Lemons were once used on lips

Women used lemon juice to redden their lips during the Renaissance period.

Why We Love National Lemon Bar Day

Lemons have nutritional value

As most people know, lemons contain high levels of vitamin C. However, these sour fruits also contain fiber and plant compounds that could lower some risk factors for heart disease.

Baking is encouraged

This holiday is another opportunity to go back to the good old days of homemade desserts and food. In our days of fast food, the art of baking is becoming a lost art. Today, we get to play around with cool recipes and have fun in the kitchen.