Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
2 cups all-purpose flour (divided: 1.75 cups for crust, 0.25 cups for filling)
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1.5 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1.75 cups flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned.
Step 5: While the crust bakes, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1.5 cups sugar, 0.25 cups flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 6: Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 9: Dust with powdered sugar right before serving and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
Ensure lemons are at room temperature to get the most juice out of them. Always chill the bars before cutting for the cleanest lines.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: lemon bar recipe, easy lemon bars, citrus dessert, shortbread crust, homemade lemon curd
