Easy Lemon Bars
Delightful lemon bars perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors with a buttery crust and creamy filling.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened) Forms the base of the crust, creating a tender, rich texture.
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and enhances buttery notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Gives the crust a lovely crispness.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and elevates overall taste.
For the filling
- 4 large eggs Provide binding for the filling, resulting in a custard-like consistency.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the filling, pairing beautifully with lemon.
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour Stabilizes the filling.
- 0.66 cup lemon juice Provides a zesty burst of flavor.
- Zest of 1-2 lemons lemon zest Enhances aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out flavors for a complex taste experience.
- to taste powdered sugar (for dusting) Adds a touch of elegance when serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and 0.25 cup granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and press the dough evenly into the bottom.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together 4 large eggs in a bowl. Gradually mix in 1.5 cups of granulated sugar, followed by 0.33 cup of flour, 0.66 cup of lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Once the crust is done, pour the lemon filling over it and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool in the baking dish for about 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. For extra tang, increase lemon zest. Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking for even results.