Description
These tangy lemon bars feature a buttery crust and a zesty, sweet lemon filling. Perfect for any time of day, they combine simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Bake in 40 minutes and refrigerate for optimal texture.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp water
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tbsp lemon zest, from 2 large lemons
1/4 tsp baking powder
Instructions
Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Add 1 tbsp water and pulse to form a dough.
Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
Press dough into a 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, until pale gold.
Whisk eggs until frothy, then blend with sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest.
Pour filling over baked crust and bake 18-20 more minutes, until wobbly but set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate 2+ hours before slicing.
Notes
Room-temperature eggs prevent curdling and ensure smooth texture.
Chill dough before shaping for a crisp base.
Trim filling if it reaches the pan edges to avoid overfilling.
Use a microplane for maximum zest fragrance.
Store in refrigerator with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg