Description
Zesty lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust bring sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Tangy citrus filling nestled on a crisp, golden base creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Craft the foundational shortbread layer by meticulously blending flour, sugar, and salt until uniformly combined.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a textured, sandy consistency.
- Gently compress the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, establishing an even, compact base for the dessert.
- Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake until the crust achieves a delicate golden hue, approximately 20 minutes.
- While the crust transforms, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth and pale, creating a luxurious foundation for the citrus layer.
- Integrate fresh lemon juice and zest into the egg mixture, infusing the filling with vibrant, tangy notes.
- Sprinkle flour into the liquid ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Carefully pour the luminous lemon filling over the freshly baked, still-warm crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Return the pan to the oven, allowing the filling to set and develop a subtle, wobbling consistency, roughly 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and permit the bars to cool completely at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and structure to stabilize.
- Generously dust the cooled surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, creating an elegant, festive finish.
- Slice into precise squares, revealing the layers of buttery crust and bright, zesty filling.
Notes
- Prevent a soggy crust by ensuring the shortbread base is fully baked and golden before adding the lemon filling.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant, bright citrus flavor that makes these bars sing.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, precise squares that hold their shape perfectly.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg