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Easy Lemon Bars with Zested Shortbread Crust

These easy Lemon Bars with Zested Shortbread Crust are a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The lemon curd-like filling is creamy and smooth, tasting like sunshine in every bite. The zested shortbread crust is simply irresistible.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Calories: 126kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

Zested Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  • Cream the butter, sugar, zest, flour, and salt. Once fully mixed, press into a 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
  • For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until beaten. Then add the sugar, flour, lemon zest, juice, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly and pour over the partially baked crust.
  • Bake for 22-24 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set and not wobbly. Let cool completely in the pan or refrigerate for a couple of hours.
  • To Serve: Sift powdered sugar over the top before cutting into squares.

Notes

  1. Storing and Making Ahead: Refrigerate these lemon squares in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  2. Lemons: It's best to use fresh lemon juice in this recipe. A medium-sized lemon usually yields 3-4 tablespoons of fresh juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 31mg | Sugar: 11g