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Lemon Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

These classic Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy and sweet lemon filling, dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly balanced with bright citrus flavors, they make a refreshing dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Topping

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the lemon bars.
  2. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal.
  3. Make Crust Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients to Crust: Incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Press Crust: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the lined pan, creating a uniform layer.
  6. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 18 to 22 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to combine evenly.
  8. Add Eggs: Whisk in the 6 large eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  9. Add Lemon: Stir in 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until fully incorporated into the filling mixture.
  10. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the lemon filling over the hot baked crust, spreading it evenly.
  11. Bake Filled Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set and firm to the touch.
  12. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature to set properly.
  13. Chill: Place the cooled lemon bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
  14. Serve: Dust the chilled lemon bars with 2 to 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Chilling the bars helps them set and makes slicing easier.
  • Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Ensure the crust is lightly golden before adding the filling to avoid a soggy base.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, shortbread crust, lemon filling, baked lemon bars, citrus dessert

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Find it online: https://todayplates.com/lemon-bars-recipe/