Description
Classic Lemon Bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a bright, tangy lemon filling that pleases a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt until creamy.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder in a large bowl until smooth.
- Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and slightly firm in the center.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares to serve.
Notes
For best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. Refrigerate the bars for cleaner slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American