Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the sugar mixture.
- Whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before cutting for cleaner slices.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and complexity of fresh.
- Ensure butter for the crust is very cold to create a flaky, tender base.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should be slightly jiggly in the center to ensure a soft texture after cooling.
- Cool the lemon bars completely before cutting to prevent a messy slice. Chilling them further enhances this.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top after dusting with powdered sugar to enhance the sweetness and tanginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg