Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Bake the Lemon Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the citrus dessert bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overbake, the filling should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Lemon zest adds a concentrated burst of lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg