Classic Lemon Bars

Lemons are at their peak in winter, when bright days and cool nights create the ideal conditions that intensify citrus fruits’ color and flavor. You can also use Meyer lemons in these lemon bars; no need to adjust any amounts.

Servings bars

Ingredients

Crust:

1½ cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour⅓ cup (40 grams) confectioners’ sugar½ teaspoon kosher salt½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

1¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar⅓ cup (42 grams) all-purpose flour2 tablespoons lemon zest¼ teaspoon kosher salt5 large eggs (250 grams), room temperature¾ cup (180 grams) fresh lemon juice½ teaspoon vanilla extractConfectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting excess extend over all sides of pan. Lightly spray foil with baking spray with flour.

For crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add melted butter; stir until combined and a dough forms. Press into bottom of prepared pan.

Bake until crust is set and edges are golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Meanwhile, for filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, lemon zest, and salt. Add eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla, and whisk until smooth. Pour onto hot crust.

Bake until edges of filling are set, center jiggles slightly, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of filling registers 175°F (79°C), 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate until cold and firm, about 2 hours.

Using excess foil as handles, remove from pan, and cut into bars. Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips:

To get maximum juice from your lemons, gently press down on the citrus while you roll them back and forth on your countertop a few times.

For neat, even bars, dip the blade of your knife into hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.

The post Classic Lemon Bars first appeared on Bake from Scratch.

Dessert

Classic Lemon Bars