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Classic Lemon Bars

Bright, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these Classic Lemon Bars bring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Made with simple ingredients and fresh lemons, they're a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to make ahead and share.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 15 Bars
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 300g, for crust
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar 66g, for crust
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 170g
  • 3 cups sugar 600g
  • 3 tbsp lemon zest zest of three lemons
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 60g, for filling
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice 240mL
  • 8 large eggs room temperature
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  3. Pour in melted butter and mix until combined.
  4. Sprinkle dough into the prepared pan and press into an even layer.
  5. Bake the crust for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  6. Add sugar and lemon zest to a food processor and pulse until fully incorporated and light yellow in color.
  7. Combine the lemon sugar with the remaining 1/2 cup flour in a large bowl.
  8. Pour in the lemon juice and add the eggs.
  9. Mix until the filling is completely combined.
  10. Pour the filling over the warm crust.
  11. Bake for about 25 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking.
  12. Remove from the oven and cool for 1 hour.
  13. Refrigerate for 2 hours to chill and set.
  14. Dust with powdered sugar.
  15. Cut into bars using a clean, sharp, damp knife, cleaning and re-wetting after each cut.

Notes

Store lemon bars in the refrigerator or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Dust with powdered sugar before serving and enjoy with fresh fruit, coffee, or iced tea.