Description
Garten’s lemon bars embody zesty sunshine on a plate, melding buttery shortbread with silky lemon curd. Powdered sugar dusts these classic treats, inviting you to savor each tangy, sweet bite of pure culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 4 to 6 lemons)
Flour and Butter:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup flour
- ½ pound (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating it to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect baking temperature for the crust.
- Transform softened butter and granulated sugar into a voluminous, airy mixture by vigorously creaming them together until light and fluffy.
- Gently incorporate all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the butter-sugar emulsion, mixing until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
- Carefully distribute the dough across a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan, sculpting a precise 1/2-inch (1.3 centimeters) raised border along the edges.
- Refrigerate the prepared pan for 15-20 minutes to allow the dough to firm and maintain its structured shape.
- Extract the chilled crust and transfer it to the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until achieving a delicate golden-brown hue.
- Transfer the baked crust to a wire cooling rack, maintaining the oven’s current temperature for subsequent baking.
- Whisk extra-large eggs, granulated sugar, vibrant lemon zest, freshly extracted lemon juice, and all-purpose flour until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Cascade the lemon filling evenly across the cooled crust, ensuring complete coverage to the pan’s edges.
- Return the pan to the oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets completely and displays minimal movement when gently nudged.
- Allow the lemon bars to cool to room temperature, transforming them into a stable, sliceable dessert.
- Slice the cooled bars into elegant triangles or squares, then dust generously with confectioners’ sugar, creating a sophisticated final presentation.
Notes
- Dust confectioners’ sugar just before serving to maintain the pristine white coating and prevent moisture absorption.
- Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect smooth, sliceable texture that holds its shape beautifully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve freshness.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, ensuring a silky filling and consistent shortbread crust texture.
- Zesting lemons before juicing maximizes the citrusy essential oils, delivering an intense, bright flavor throughout the dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg