Lemon Bars
Total Time
3 hours
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Rating
4.75 out of 5 stars
(8)
Ingredients
24
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Confectioner’s sugar, for sprinkling on bars
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out the bars. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt and mix just until combined.
Step 3
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 4
While the crust is baking, make the lemon filling. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant. Add the flour and whisk together.
Step 5
Add the eggs and lemon juice. Whisk until combined. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
Step 6
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the center is set. Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. When the bars are cool, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill until cold and firm, at least 2 hours.
Step 7
When ready to serve, remove the pan from the fridge and dust with confectioner’s sugar. Cut into squares and serve.
Step 8
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Chef's notes
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and store any leftover lemon bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also transfer the bars to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. I don’t recommend layering the bars.
You can freeze lemon bars for up to 3 months. Cut the cooled bars into squares and place them on a large baking sheet, without confectioner’s sugar. Freeze for 1 hour. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap, individually, and place in a large freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Decorate with confectioner’s sugar and serve!
