Description
Indulgent Zesty Lemon Bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet shortbread crust, promising a delightful dessert experience. Sunshine-kissed flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each refreshing, buttery bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Leavening Agent:
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Craft a crumbly foundation by blending flour and powdered sugar, then incorporate softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently press the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and baking powder in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven and immediately pour the zesty lemon filling over the hot surface, creating an even layer that covers the entire crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a set filling with a delicate golden hue and minimal jiggle when gently shaken.
- Transfer the baking dish to a cooling rack and allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Once thoroughly cooled, slice into neat squares and dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
Notes
- Swap gluten-free flour to create a celiac-friendly version that tastes just as delightful and crumbly.
- Use Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter, less tart filling that transforms the classic zesty flavor profile.
- Chill the bars for at least an hour before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges that look professionally made.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing soggy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg