Description
Zesty classic lemon bars combine tangy citrus flavor with buttery shortbread crust for a delightful dessert. Sweet-tart layers invite you to savor each refreshing bite of this timeless treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Generously butter a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment paper for effortless dessert removal.
- Create Crust: Blend flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly, then firmly press mixture into pan, creating a uniform base with slightly elevated edges.
- Initial Baking: Roast crust in preheated oven at 350°F until edges turn golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes, developing a crisp and toasted foundation.
- Craft Lemon Filling: Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until achieving a silky, luminous custard with vibrant citrus notes.
- Assembly and Final Bake: Pour lemon mixture over slightly cooled crust, ensuring even distribution, then return to oven and bake until filling sets with a gentle center wobble, around 20-25 minutes.
- Cooling and Presentation: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then lift from pan using parchment paper, dust generously with powdered sugar, and slice into precise squares revealing beautiful golden layers.
Notes
- Boost Lemon Zest Flavor: Select fresh, bright lemons with vibrant yellow skin to maximize citrusy punch and aromatic intensity in your bars.
- Create Perfectly Smooth Crust: Use cold butter and minimal handling when mixing shortbread to prevent tough, dense texture and maintain delicate, crumbly consistency.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow shortbread crust to cool slightly before adding lemon filling, which helps create a crisp base and prevents liquid absorption.
- Master Cutting Technique: Chill bars completely before slicing and use a sharp, clean knife wiped between cuts to achieve clean, professional-looking squares with distinct layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg