Description
Zesty lemon bars from Pioneer Woman deliver sunshine on a plate. Buttery shortbread crust cradles tangy lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart that will delight you with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) salted butter, cut into small cubes
- Zest and juice of 4 medium-sized lemons
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for sifting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Create the shortbread foundation by combining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients, using fingertips or a pastry blender to transform the mixture into a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand.
- Firmly press the crumbly dough into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden hue.
- While the crust bakes, craft the vibrant lemon filling by whisking together granulated sugar and all-purpose flour in a separate mixing bowl. Introduce fresh eggs and blend until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Zest and juice fresh lemons directly into the egg mixture, stirring thoroughly to integrate the bright, citrusy elements. Ensure no unmixed pockets remain in the filling.
- Once the crust reaches a light golden state, carefully remove from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling over the hot base, distributing evenly across the surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should appear set with a slight wobble in the center and a pale golden surface.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For optimal texture and ease of cutting, refrigerate for 2-3 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Before serving, dust the surface generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sifter. Slice into precise squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
- Serve these sunshine-packed bars chilled for the most refreshing and clean-cut dessert experience.
- Fresh lemon juice transforms this classic treat from ordinary to extraordinary with its vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
- Room temperature butter and eggs guarantee a silky-smooth batter that blends effortlessly and bakes perfectly.
- Dusting powdered sugar creates an elegant finish that balances the tangy lemon filling with delicate sweetness.
- Slice bars with a hot water-dipped knife for professional-looking, crisp edges that will impress any crowd.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg