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Lemon Bars

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A bright and tender dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly base and a tangy lemon filling, topped with a glossy glaze. Perfect for tea time or picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the crust and filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Gives the base a rich, tender shortbread-like texture.
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure for the crust and filling.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Create the custardy, set lemon filling and add richness.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated Adds concentrated lemon aroma and bright flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Fresh acidity to balance sweetness in the filling.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens and helps the filling set.
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For the glaze
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Provides fresh tang for the glaze.
  • 8 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated Gives the glaze a lively lemon perfume and texture.
  • 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a smooth finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
  2. In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and sea salt until just combined and slightly crumbly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the egg-lemon mixture to the flour mixture and beat on low for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  7. Allow the bars to cool completely.
Glazing
  1. For the glaze, whisk together the icing sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
  2. Once cooled, spread the glaze over the lemon bars and let it set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 100mgSugar: 15g

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling and even baking. Store cooled and glazed bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months.

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