Lemon Bars
Lemon bars combine a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a tart, set lemon curd filling, then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. They slice cleanly once fully chilled and are ready to serve in about 2 hours, including cooling time.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Zester
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour unbleached
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest fresh
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the flour mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Add 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and starting to pull away from the sides.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Cut into 12 bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Lori’s Tips: To enhance the citrus flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the crust. You may substitute lime juice and zest for a lime bar variation. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
- Serving Suggestions: Plate the lemon bars on a white serving platter to accentuate their vibrant yellow hue. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs for a refreshing visual and aromatic touch. Pair with a light, floral tea to complement the citrus flavors.
Nutrition
Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 19mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
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