lemon bars

Lemons

How can you go wrong when using lemons to make lemon bars? I mean, helloooo, the best of both worlds here. A buttery cookie crust topped with creamy bright yellow lemon filling. Oh my…. Sunshine in a bar!

I’ve always liked lemon bars, always! While some kids turned up their noses to these bright yellow bars, I was the kid that took 2 or 3. I think it all started with my grandmother, at Thanksgiving she would always, I mean always, make a lemon meringue pie. Thanksgiving was unheard of without her famous yellow lemon pie!

lemon bars

Back to these lemon bars…they are super easy, and taste super creamy! I made these for our friends last time they were over for dinner, and the whole pan disappeared! I was lucky to even get some photos before they disappeared!  Of course egg yolks and butter lend a hand, but the lemons are the super star. There is nothing worse than a bland lemon bar, so when in doubt, add extra! I always do :)

lemon bars

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Lemon Bars

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 2 1/2 C all purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 C ( 2 sticks) of unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3/4 C sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • For the filling:
  • 6 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 C sugar
  • 1/4 C plus 1 Tbsp of all purpose flour
  • 1 C freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped lemon zest
  • 1/2 C whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray for melted butter.
  3. To make the crust, whisk the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. In a large mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium for about 3 minutes. Mixture should be light in color and fluffy.
  5. Add the vanilla and mix, reduce speed to low and add the dry ingredients scraping the sides of the bowl.
  6. Dough should be slightly crumbly.
  7. Place dough into prepared pan, and smooth out with your fingers. Press slightly up the sides of the pan.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly brown.
  9. Make the filling while the crust is baking.
  10. Whisk the eggs, sugar, and flour together.
  11. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, milk and salt.
  12. After the crust is done, lower the temp to 325 degrees.
  13. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and bake for 20 minutes.
  14. Let cool at room temperature before cutting bars. Dust with powdered sugar.
  15. Makes about 12 large bars.
http://www.thymeoftaste.com/2013/07/06/lemon-bars/