Tangy and Sweet Lemon Bars: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion!

Are you looking for a dessert that combines a zesty lemon flavor with a buttery, crumbly crust? Look no further! These Lemon Bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a delightful treat for yourself. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups flour

- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, divided

- 1 cup butter

- 4 eggs

- 2 cups sugar

- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake your lemon bars to perfection.

Prepare the Crust:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar.

2. Cut in the Butter: Add 1 cup of butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly. The goal is to have small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture.

3. Form the Crust: Pat the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Press gently to form a solid crust layer.

4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned. This pre-baking step ensures a firm and delicious base for your lemon bars.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 4 eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggs should be fully incorporated, creating a custard-like filling.

Bake and Cool:

1. Add the Filling: Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.

2. Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set. You’ll know it’s done when the filling doesn’t jiggle much when the pan is gently shaken.

3. Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the filling set properly.

Finish and Serve:

1. Add a Dusting of Sugar: After the bars have cooled, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar over the top. This adds a lovely touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

2. Cut into Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into 24 bars. For clean edges, wipe the knife clean between cuts.

Yield:

This recipe makes 24 delicious lemon bars, perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or enjoying as a treat throughout the week.

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Enjoy these zesty lemon bars with a delightful buttery crust! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delightful results. The combination of the tangy lemon filling and the sweet, crumbly crust is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

Happy baking! Let me know in the comments how your lemon bars turned out, or share any twists you added to the recipe!