Description
Zesty paula deen lemon bars showcase a buttery shortbread crust topped with tangy, silky lemon filling. Creamy and refreshing, these classic dessert squares will delight you with their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups (473 ml/16 fl oz) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps (90 ml/3 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups (240 g/8.5 oz) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) confectioner’s sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 sticks (226 g/8 oz) butter, at room temperature
- Butter (additional amount) for greasing
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13x2-inch baking pan, using flour-dusted fingers to create a uniform base.
- Initial Baking Phase: Place the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until achieving a light golden appearance. Remove and let rest momentarily while preparing the filling.
- Lemon Filling Creation: Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until achieving a smooth, silky consistency. Carefully pour the vibrant mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Final Baking Process: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for 25 minutes. Watch for the filling to set and lose its liquid wobble, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps stabilize the filling’s structure. Once thoroughly cooled, generously dust the surface with powdered sugar. Slice into precise, uniform squares to reveal the delectable layers of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling.
Notes
- Chill Butter for Flakiness: Use cold, cubed butter to create a crumbly, tender crust that provides a delicate texture and prevents greasy results.
- Zest Boost Option: Add lemon zest to intensify the citrus flavor and enhance the filling’s aromatic profile for a more vibrant taste experience.
- Even Pressing Technique: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to press the crust evenly, ensuring uniform thickness and perfect baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting to help the filling set properly and maintain clean, crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg