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Delicious lemon bars with thick lemon filling on a shortbread crust, perfect for dessert.

Lemon Bars

These Lemon Bars feature a buttery base, a soft lemon layer, and a snowy sugar top, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup All purpose flour Builds the crust.
  • 0.5 cup Powdered sugar For the crust and dusting.
  • 0.5 cup Butter Real butter for flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances sweetness.
For the filling
  • 2 large Eggs Sets the filling for clean slices.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Sweetens the filling.
  • 0.25 cup All purpose flour Thickens the filling.
  • 0.5 cup Fresh lemon juice Use real lemons for the best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest Optional, adds more flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances flavors.
For serving
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar Dust on top before serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Cut in melted or softened butter until it resembles damp sand.
  5. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Baking the Crust
  1. Bake the crust for 18 to 22 minutes, until lightly golden.
Making the Filling
  1. While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Baking the Bars
  1. Pour filling over the hot crust and bake for another 18 to 22 minutes.
  2. The center should be set and not jiggle like liquid.
Cooling
  1. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Serving
  1. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter. Let the bars chill before cutting for neat slices. For best texture, store in an airtight container in the fridge, best within 4 to 5 days.