Zesty Tangy Lemon Bars

Sweet, tangy, and completely irresistible Lemon Bars with a crumbly crust and a silky lemon filling.

By @buzzfeedtasty

Original recipe source

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 1 sheet parchment paper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup powdered sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter cut into ½-inch cubes and softened
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 lemons lemon zest
• 3 pieces large eggs
• 0.33 cup lemon juice approximately from 2 lemons
• 0 powdered sugar for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the ends extend above the edges of the dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the butter cubes and vanilla extract, if using. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until the dough is crumbly.
3. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven to allow it to cool slightly while you make the filling.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest for the filling. Whisk until well mixed. Add the eggs and lemon juice, and whisk until smooth.
6. Optional: For a smoother filling, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it onto the warm crust.
7. Bake the lemon squares for 20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
8. Let the lemon bars cool in the pan for 20 minutes to 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper. If desired, dust with additional powdered sugar. Cut into squares.
9. Enjoy! Lemon squares can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.