Description
Zesty Paula Deen Lemon Bars deliver sunshine on a plate with their perfect balance of tangy citrus and buttery shortbread crust. Creamy lemon filling nestled atop a golden base promises pure dessert bliss you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups (473 ml) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) fresh lemon juice
Flour and Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) confectioner’s sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Fat and Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (226 g) butter, at room temperature
- Butter (additional amount) for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9x13x2-inch (23x33x5 centimeters) baking pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Create the foundational crust by blending 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (125 grams) powdered sugar, and a delicate pinch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Methodically incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture. Gently press the mixture into the prepared pan, using flour-dusted fingers to ensure even distribution and prevent adhesion.
- Bake the initial crust layer for 15-20 minutes, watching for a gentle golden hue that indicates perfect doneness. Remove from the oven and allow a brief moment to rest while preparing the zesty filling.
- Construct the lemon filling by whisking together whole eggs, 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Pour the vibrant lemon mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and loses its wobble.
- After removing from the oven, allow the lemon bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps the filling stabilize and maintain its structure. Once thoroughly cooled, dust the surface generously with additional powdered sugar.
- Slice into neat squares, creating uniform portions that showcase the layers of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling.
Notes
- Cold butter creates a magical, flaky crust that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
- Fully pre-baking the crust prevents soggy bottoms and locks in that crisp, golden texture.
- Vigorous whisking eliminates egg lumps, transforming the filling into silky smooth perfection.
- Taste-testing allows you to balance the lemon’s zesty punch according to your personal preference.
- Patience during cooling ensures clean, beautiful slices that showcase your baking skills.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 39.7g
- Sodium: 24mg
- Fat: 12.7g
- Saturated Fat: 7.9g
- Carbohydrates: 54.4g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 71mg