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+ servings
Two bright yellow lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar, stacked on a white plate. Lemons in the background.

Lemon Bars

A classic lemon bar recipe with a bright citrus flavor and a shortbread crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Filling
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. For the crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the 2 cups of flour and mix until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  4. For the lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until well combined. Whisk in the 1/3 cup flour until smooth. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
  5. Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
  6. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting.
  7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg

Notes

You can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to your preference for a more or less intense lemon flavor.

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