Zesty Lemon Bars

Zesty Lemon Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and starts to come together. Press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
7. Cool and Dust: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, and cut into squares or bars.
8. Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. These lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Importance of Each Ingredient

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to both the crust and filling, helping to bind the ingredients together.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the crust to sweeten and create a tender texture; also for dusting the finished bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust, contributing to its flaky texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Act as a binder in the filling and provide richness and structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
• Lemon Juice: Provides the zesty flavor that makes these bars refreshing and tangy.
• Lemon Zest: Adds an extra burst of lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the filling rise slightly and gives it a light texture.

Enjoy making these zesty lemon bars! They’re perfect for a refreshing dessert or a sweet treat with tea.