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Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 66 reviews

These classic Lemon Bars feature a buttery, tender shortbread crust topped with a tangy, creamy lemon filling. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, they are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these bars are ideal for picnics, parties, or a refreshing dessert any time of the year.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • Cooking spray
  • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups flour (plus extra 1-3 tablespoons if needed)

For the Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 4 to 5 large lemons)
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 4 to 5 large lemons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)

For Topping

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch ceramic pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2 to 4 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and vanilla bean paste or extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add 2 cups of flour and mix until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels too soft, add 1 to 3 tablespoons more flour until it holds its shape well.
  3. Form the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, going about 1/2 inch up the sides. Make sure to press tightly into the edges to seal and prevent leaks. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to firm it up. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). After freezing, press the edges again to ensure a tight seal. Bake the crust for 22 to 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. Prepare Lemons: While the crust bakes, zest the lemons to get 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the lemons to yield approximately 2/3 cup lemon juice.
  5. Make the Filling: In a blender, combine the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and the lemon zest. Pulse five times for about one second each to break down the zest slightly and release flavor. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour, lemon juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, eggs, heavy cream, and optional lemon extract. Blend for 10 seconds until the mixture is just smooth—do not overblend. Stir gently with a spatula and set aside.
  6. Bake the Filling: Remove the crust from the oven and stir the filling mixture again to ensure evenness. Pour the filling slowly and evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is just set and jiggles slightly like firm Jell-O.
  7. Cool and Chill: Let the lemon bars cool at room temperature for 2 hours. Then refrigerate for at least 2 more hours, until fully set.
  8. Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and make your first cut. Clean the knife between each cut for neat slices. Dust the bars generously with powdered sugar using a fine sieve. Store leftover bars in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams smoothly and results in a tender crust.
  • For juicing lemons, 4 to 5 large lemons should provide the necessary 2/3 cup fresh juice.
  • If lemon extract is unavailable, you can omit it; the fresh lemon juice and zest impart plenty of lemon flavor.
  • Press the crust firmly to the edges and freeze before baking to prevent the filling from leaking under the crust.
  • To get clean slices, warm the knife under hot water and dry before each cut.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-bars-recipe/