Description
Classic lemon bars showcase zesty citrus perfection from Paula Deen’s Southern kitchen. Buttery shortbread crust and tangy filling create a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
- 1 cup (226 g / 2 sticks) salted butter, cut into small cubes
- Zest and juice of 4 medium-sized lemons
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for sifting
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press firmly into a prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Initial Baking: Position the oven rack in the middle and heat to 350°F. Bake the crust for 18-22 minutes until edges turn golden brown, creating a crisp shortbread foundation.
- Craft Lemon Filling: While crust bakes, whisk together sugar, flour, and eggs until smooth. Incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice, stirring to create a vibrant, uniform citrus mixture.
- Combine and Finish Baking: Pour lemon filling over the hot crust, ensuring even distribution. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling sets with a slight jiggle and develops a pale golden surface.
- Chill and Serve: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Before serving, generously dust with powdered sugar and slice into precise squares using a clean, sharp knife.
Notes
- Butter Temp Matters: Use cold, cubed butter for the shortbread crust to create a flaky, tender base that crumbles perfectly when baked.
- Zest Boosts Flavor: Fresh lemon zest intensifies the citrus profile, delivering a brighter, more robust lemon taste compared to juice alone.
- Chill for Cleanest Cuts: Refrigerating the bars for 2-3 hours helps set the filling and allows for crisp, clean slicing without messy edges.
- Powdered Sugar Tip: Sift powdered sugar just before serving to prevent absorption and maintain a pristine, elegant white coating on top of the bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg