Get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine with these delightful Lemon Bars! With a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Success
This part’s so satisfying: pressing the crust into the pan ensures a perfect base for your filling! And remember, letting them cool before slicing helps keep those beautiful squares intact.
Why You'll Love Them
These Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a refreshing dessert that everyone will love. You’ve got to try this one!
Ingredients
- Shortbread Crust:
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- Lemon Filling:
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Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
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Step 1- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper on all sides. Leave an overhang on at least two sides of the pan to help you remove the bars after baking.
- Make the Shortbread Crust:
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Step 2- Mix the crust ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla and use a spatula to mix until a greasy dough forms. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and use your hands to press it evenly over the bottom and ⅛-inch up the sides.
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Step 3- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the oven and dock with a fork.
- Make the Lemon Filling:
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Step 4- Combine filling ingredients: Meanwhile, make the lemon filling: Place the sugar in a large bowl. If using the lemon zest, add it to the bowl and use your fingers to work it into the sugar to release its fragrant oils. Add the flour and whisk to combine, then whisk in the eggs followed by the lemon juice.
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Step 5- Bake the lemon filling: Pour over the hot crust and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set. It should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
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Step 6- Cool and chill the bars: Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for another 2 hours.
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Step 7- Serve the bars: Dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 28g, Protein: 2g
Cooking techniques
Whisking and baking are key techniques in this recipe. Make sure to whisk well to incorporate air into the filling for a light texture.
Variations or substitutions
You can add other citrus zest like orange or lime for a twist, or substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
