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Super Easy Lemon Bars

Bright and refreshing lemon bars with a buttery crust and tangy filling, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup 1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces Ensure butter is cold for the perfect crust.
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups 2 cups flour Use gluten-free flour blend if needed.
For the filling
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 pieces 4 eggs Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  • 2 pieces Zest of two lemons, finely chopped Use a microplane for finely zesting.
  • 2/3 cup Juice of 2 lemons (about 2/3 cup) Fresh lemons preferred over bottled juice.
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp baking powder (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (or 325 degrees F for glass bakeware).
  2. Using a pastry cutter or a food processor, blend together the cold butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased and parchment paper-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s compact for a sturdy base.
  4. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
  5. While the crust is baking, in a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup flour, eggs, finely chopped lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved (about 3-5 minutes).
  6. Allow the filling mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  7. After resting, whisk again briefly, then pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees F for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the custard is set.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.

Notes

Serve these lemon bars chilled or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for later enjoyment.