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luscious lemon bars with golden crust and creamy lemon filling, dusted with powdered sugar

Lemon Bars

These tangy and sweet lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth lemon custard.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
  3. Gradually add 2 cups flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl.
  6. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
  7. Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra zest.