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These delightful treats are a testament to the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, encapsulating a burst of citrus in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery shortbread crust that crumbles just right, topped with a velvety layer of ultra lemony-infused custard that’s both luscious and zesty. From picnics to parties, these bars have a knack for bringing smiles and brightening up any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Zest and juice of 3 lemons
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. (Time: 7 minutes)
  3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
  4. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
  5. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and set.

Notes

For the finest lemon zest, use a microplane grater and only zest the outer, colorful part of the lemon. When cutting in the butter for the crust, the mixture should resemble coarse sand to ensure a buttery and crumbly base. Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor. Enjoy!

Chef’s tip: To achieve clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the lemon bars.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition