Description
These bright and zingy lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon custard filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this classic dessert is easy to make and sure to brighten up any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300g)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (66g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (170g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 3 cups sugar (600g)
- 3 tbsp lemon zest (zest of 3 lemons)
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (240mL)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- In a bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Sprinkle the dough evenly into the lined pan and press it down firmly to form a flat, even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust turns a light golden color.
- While the crust bakes, add the sugar and lemon zest to a food processor and pulse until the zest is fully incorporated and the sugar has a light yellow color.
- In a large bowl, combine the lemon sugar and remaining 1/2 cup flour. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the eggs. Whisk or mix very well until the filling is completely combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for an hour. Then transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to let the filling fully set.
- Dust the cooled lemon bars with powdered sugar. Use a clean, sharp, damp knife to cut into bars, wiping and re-wetting the knife between cuts for clean slices.
Notes
- Optionally, add a dash of vanilla with the butter for extra flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg