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Super Easy Lemon Bars

Delightful lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust and creamy lemon curd filling, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 9 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature) Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar For sweetness.
For the Lemon Filling
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice (about 2-3 lemons) Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (finely grated) Adds extra citrus flavor.
  • 3 Large Eggs (room temperature) Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar Main sweetener for the filling.
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted) Provides structure to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar Powdered Sugar (for dusting) For presentation.

Method
 

Prepare the Shortbread Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually mix in 1 cup of flour until just combined. The mixture should form a soft dough.
Bake the Crust
  1. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Make the Lemon Filling
  1. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a separate mixing bowl until well combined.
  2. Add the lemon juice and zest, then stir in the sifted 1/2 cup of flour until smooth.
Combine and Bake Again
  1. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
Cool and Dust
  1. Let the lemon bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
  2. Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Notes

These lemon bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. For a lovely presentation, dust with powdered sugar and add a slice of lemon as a garnish.