Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 3 cup all-purpose flour (divided: 2 1/2 cups for crust and 1/2 cup for filling)
• 0.66 cup powdered sugar (for the shortbread, plus more for dusting)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 tbsp lemon zest (zest of three lemons)
• 3 cup sugar
• 8 eggs (large, room temperature)
• 1 cup lemon juice (fresh)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour (300g) with the powdered sugar and salt.

3. 3

   Pour in the melted butter and mix until combined. You can also do this using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. If you'd like, a dash of vanilla can be added in with the butter at this step.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the dough into your lined pan and press down into a flat layer.

5. 5

   Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until a light golden color.

6. 6

   While the crust is baking, add the sugar to a food processor and add the zest of three lemons. Pulse until the zest is fully incorporated and sugar is a light yellow color. If you don't have a processor, just mince the zest and mix with the sugar in a bag or bowl.

7. 7

   Add the lemon sugar and remaining half cup of flour to a large bowl and mix well. You can sift them together; however, zesty sugar bits may need to be dumped out of the sifter as they might clog it.

8. 8

   Pour in the lemon juice and add the eggs, then mix very well until completely combined.

9. 9

   Pour the filling onto the warm crust, then transfer to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through the bake.

10. 10

    Remove from oven and allow to cool for an hour at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

11. 11

    Dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars using a clean, sharp, damp knife. Clean and re-wet the knife after each cut for the cleanest edges.

Notes

For the cleanest cuts, use a damp knife and wipe it clean between every slice. The chilling time is essential for the filling to set properly.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• lemon bars
• baked
• citrus
• vegetarian
• snack
• spring