Description
These Lemon Bars are tangy, sweet, and buttery, featuring a crisp shortbread crust topped with a zesty lemon custard and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup salted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon juice, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, cold butter cubes, vanilla extract, and 2 cups flour. Pulse or mix until dough forms a crumbly texture.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, remaining 2 cups of sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra lemon juice or zest before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra tartness, adjust the lemon juice to taste.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for a firmer texture before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for clean squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg