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Lemon Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

Classic, tangy and sweet Lemon Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, vibrant lemon filling, baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a refreshing dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and thoroughly line a 9 x 13 glass or ceramic baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Crust Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use an electric mixer to blend until a thick dough forms.
  3. Press Dough Into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9 x 13 pan. It may seem like there’s not enough dough, but continue pressing and spreading until it covers the entire bottom evenly.
  4. Zest and Juice Lemons: Zest 1 tablespoon of lemons and then juice 4-5 lemons to measure approximately 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds.
  5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 20-23 minutes, until it is crisp and fully cooked with no doughy spots in the center.
  6. Prepare Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 4 large eggs, 2 cups sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Give it a quick stir before pouring it onto the crust.
  7. Add Filling to Crust: Immediately after removing the crust from the oven, pour the lemon mixture evenly over the hot crust.
  8. Bake Bars Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the lemon filling is set. The center should not look liquid and the top will form a light crust with edges caramelizing lightly.
  9. Cool Bars: Allow the lemon bars to cool in the pan for at least one hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to fully set the filling.
  10. Cut and Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using parchment paper, trim the edges, and slice into approximately 2 1/2 inch squares. Generously dust with powdered sugar before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the crust is fully baked and slightly crispy before adding the filling to avoid a soggy base.
  • Straining lemon juice removes seeds for a smoother filling.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Cooling the bars completely before cutting helps maintain clean slices.
  • Powdered sugar dusting adds classic sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, buttery crust, lemon curd, baked lemon bars, classic dessert, summer dessert, citrus bars

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