Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
cold and cut into cubes, 2 sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
about 6 lemons
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- Powdered Sugar for serving
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- 2
For the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, granulated sugar, and salt, then add the butter. Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Alternatively, rub it by hand until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 3
Press the crust evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- 4
For the Filling: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- 5
When the crust is done, carefully pour the filling over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but still slightly wobbly in the middle.
- 6
Let the bars cool completely on the counter. Then, chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- 7
Slice the lemon bars, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Lemon Bars
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About this Recipe
Craving a dessert that tastes like a burst of pure sunshine? These easy-to-make lemon bars are your answer, delivering a bright, citrusy zing that promises to be the star of any dessert table. Get ready to impress with minimal fuss.
What sets this recipe apart is its simple approach to a classic treat, combining a tender, buttery crust with an intensely flavorful lemon filling. The generous amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest ensures a vibrant, sweet-tart balance that avoids being overly sweet or bland, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Prepare for a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. You'll savor a rich, crumbly shortbread crust that provides the perfect foundation for the silky-smooth lemon custard layer above. Each square offers that quintessential sweet-tart burst, bright and refreshing without being overwhelming. This is a truly satisfying dessert, straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect project for bakers of all experience levels. It’s ideal when you need a reliably delicious treat with prep taking about 20 minutes and baking around 45 minutes.
While perfect as written, you can easily personalize these lemon bars. For an even bolder lemon punch, consider adding a touch more grated lemon zest to the filling. Alternatively, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or fresh raspberries alongside the powdered sugar for serving can add a lovely visual and textural contrast.
Dusted generously with powdered sugar, these lemon bars are a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a bright treat to brighten your week. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.