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The Best Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 41 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 24 bars (1 9x13-inch pan)

Description

These classic lemon bars are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, featuring a buttery, tender crust topped with a smooth, lemony filling. Easy to prepare and ideal for any gathering, they deliver a refreshing citrus flavor that delights the palate.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup white sugar

Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 lemons, juiced

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the crust and filling to ensure smooth preparation.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
  3. Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, blend 2 cups of flour, softened butter, and ½ cup sugar until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
  4. Press Crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan, creating an even layer.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it becomes firm and golden brown.
  6. Make Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 ½ cups sugar and ¼ cup flour in a medium bowl.
  7. Add Eggs and Lemon Juice: Whisk in the eggs and then the freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  8. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly.
  9. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the filling is set.
  10. Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan; this allows them to firm up. Once cooled, cut into 24 uniform squares.

Notes

  • For a festive twist, substitute lemons with limes and add a drop of green food coloring to the filling for a pale green color.
  • Arrange lime and lemon bars in a checkerboard pattern for an attractive presentation.
  • Ensure the crust is fully baked and golden before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural citrus flavor.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/the-best-lemon-bars-recipe/