Description

These Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust offer a perfect blend of tart and sweet. Made with fresh lemons, buttery crust, and simple ingredients, they are truly delectable and perfect for any dessert occasion.

Ingredients

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1 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, replace with flour if omitting)
½ cup powdered sugar
pinch of salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
3 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
1¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
powdered sugar for dusting
lemon slices for garnish or lemon zest

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
For the crust, mix sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla, and stir until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan, creating a lip of about ¾ inch. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by whisking together sugar, flour, and lemon zest. Add whisked eggs, lemon juice, and extracts, mixing until smooth.
Remove crust from the oven and reduce the temperature to 325°F. Optionally, poke shallow holes in the crust using a fork.
Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake for 20-22 minutes until just set and edges are lightly browned.
Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight until set.
Run a knife around the edges, slice, and serve. Dust with powdered sugar and add lemon slices or zest for garnish if desired.

Notes

Chill the bars completely for a smoother texture.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg