Lemon square bars are a delightful treat with a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon topping. Here’s a classic recipe for zesty lemon square bars that you can make at home:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
– 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– A pinch of salt
Optional for Topping:
– Extra confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the crust by creaming together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Mix in the flour and salt until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when squeezed.
3. Press the dough into the prepared pan, making a slight edge around the perimeter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the lemon filling by whisking together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
5. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you move the pan.
6. Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled to room temperature, use the parchment paper to lift out the entire block of lemon bars from the pan.
7. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until they are firm.
8. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares. If desired, dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar for a pretty finish.
9. Serve the lemon bars chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These zesty lemon square bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, and the rich shortbread crust provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy lemon filling. Enjoy your homemade treat!