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Lemon Bars cut into squares
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4.80 from 5 votes

Tangy Lemon Bars

These bars taste absolutely amazing, and hold up well for picnics, BBQ's and all your summer get-togethers!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bars, lemon
Servings: 32 bars
Calories: 164kcal
Author: Tricia

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for sprinkling
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter cold, cut into ¼-inch pieces

For the lemon filling:

  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice strained of pulp and seeds (about 9-10 lemons)
  • 8 large eggs

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper allowing it to come up and over the sides. Lightly spray the parchment paper. Set aside.

To prepare the crust:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the flour, sugar, salt and butter for the crust. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until it resembles coarse wet sand. Do not over-mix the crust or allow it to come together like dough.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press firmly using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compress the crust. Place the unbaked crust in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the crust from the freezer and bake until light golden brown, about 20 -25 minutes. Set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.

To prepare the filling:

  • While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour and cornstarch until combined. Add the fresh lemon juice and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Pour the filling over the warm baked crust and bake immediately at 300°F for 30 minutes or until the center doesn't juggle when tapped. Cool on a wire rack then refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting.
  • Remove the lemon bars from the pan using the parchment to lift, or slide the bars onto a cutting board. If needed you can cut them in the pan. Run a very sharp, thin knife under hot running water then carefully dry the blade. This will give you razor sharp cuts for a beautiful presentation. Repeat this process several times until all lemon bars are cut.

Notes

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
  • Adapted from a recipe by Amy Atlas, published in Sweet Designs via Oprah.Com
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg