Lemon Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Tart and sweet, these bars with a shortbread crust and rich lemon custard topping, are a perfect dessert for company!
Author:
Recipe type: Cookies
Serves: 9 large bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup confectioner's sugar
  • 1 TBL cornstarch
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (4 ounces or one stick)
  • ⅛ tsp salt
Lemon Topping
  • 1½ cups white granulated sugar
  • 4 whole eggs
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ( strained) (about 3-4 lemons)
  • 1 TBL lemon zest
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
Instructions
  1. Making the crust:
  2. Butter 8x8 baking pan very well. OR use parchment paper to line the pan with paper extending over the edges of pan, butter.
  3. Mix flour, confectioner's sugar, cornstarch, butter and salt with flat beater on mixer. Pat into prepared pan, building up edges slightly. Chill for 15 minutes.
  4. Once chilled, bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Making the lemon topping:
  6. Whisk together the sugar,eggs,lemon juice,lemon zest. Slowly add the flour and whisk until combined.
  7. Pour onto baked crust. I allow crust to cool just a few minutes from the oven, then add topping.
  8. Bake bars an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Topping will be set and slightly browned.
  9. Cool pan on cooling rack for at least 30 minutes before attempting to cut bars.
  10. Sprinkle confectioners sugar over bars, cut into 9 large dessert squares. To yield 18 rectangles, cut each square in half. Use knife to loosen edges, cut bars, then lift from pan with small spatula.
  11. Once cut, you can sprinkle additional confectioners sugar on to bars as they are served.
Notes
If you have any trouble removing bars from pan, chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Also, I find that holding down slightly on bars with your hand as you slice the bars helps to avoid pulling up the topping with the slice.

Serve plain with additional confectioner's sugar or try adding fresh fruits such as raspberries or blackberries.
Recipe by Country Cupboard Cookies at https://countrycupboardcookies.com/lemon-bars/