Elegant Lemon Bars

Brighten up any dessert table with these Elegant Lemon Bars, a classic treat elevated by their buttery shortbread crust and tangy, velvety lemon filling. Bursting with the refreshing taste of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a hint of finely grated lemon zest, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The creamy filling rests atop a golden, crumbly crust, baked to perfection for a delightful texture in every bite. Topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, these bars make a stunning yet simple dessert for parties, afternoon tea, or special occasions. Ready in just an hour, with easy-to-follow steps, these citrusy delights are perfect for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors paired with a buttery base. Serve these chilled for a refreshing finish to any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• 0.75 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.

Step 3

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

While the crust is cooling, prepare the lemon filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 5

Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the egg mixture. Whisk until fully combined and free of lumps.

Step 6

Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.

Step 7

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 8

Once chilled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the lemon bars out of the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar and slice into 16 squares or rectangles.

Step 9

Serve chilled or at room temperature for an elegant dessert!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1310.4 grams (1310.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4620

Total Fat 214.10g	274%
Saturated Fat 128.20g	641%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 1261mg	420%
Sodium 914mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate 637.50g	232%
Dietary Fiber 8.50g	30%
Total Sugars 421.50g
Protein 56.00g	112%

Vitamin D 164IU	820%
Calcium 215mg	17%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 814mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.0%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 54.2%