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Classic Lemon Bars with Powdered Sugar Recipe

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4.6 from 269 reviews

Classic Lemon Bars are a perfect springtime treat featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy and smooth lemon filling, dusted generously with powdered sugar. This easy-to-make dessert balances sweet and tart flavors, ideal for gatherings or a refreshing dessert anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Topping

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates a smooth texture for the crust.
  3. Make Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms. This dough will be pressed into the pan to form the base.
  4. Press Dough: Evenly press the crumbly dough into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer for the crust.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until it is lightly golden, indicating it is set and partially cooked to hold the filling.
  6. Mix Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  7. Pour Filling: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm crust layer.
  8. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake the lemon bars for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center, ensuring the perfect texture.
  9. Cool Completely: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is important for the filling to firm up for cleaner slices.
  10. Dust and Slice: Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares for serving.

Notes

  • For the best lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice.
  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right crust texture.
  • Allow cooling completely before slicing to prevent the bars from falling apart.
  • Powdered sugar topping adds sweetness and a pretty presentation but can be adjusted to taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, spring dessert, citrus bars, powdered sugar topping, classic lemon bars

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/classic-lemon-bars-with-powdered-sugar-recipe/