These lemon bars offer the perfect balance of a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust and a bright, tangy citrus custard topping. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, this classic dessert provides a professional bakery-quality result that is crowd-pleasing and simple to prepare. Each bite delivers a zesty, refreshing experience balanced by a rich and sweet foundation, making them the ideal treat for any occasion.
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2.5 cups granulated sugar, divided
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
2.25 cups all-purpose flour, divided
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine the melted butter, 0.5 cup of sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add 2 cups of flour to the butter mixture and stir until a smooth dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes until the edges appear lightly golden.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of sugar, the remaining 0.25 cup of flour, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
Bake for an additional 25 minutes until the center is set.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.
Use organic lemons to ensure the best flavor from the zest. Allow the butter to cool slightly after melting but before mixing to ensure the crust texture is perfect. Let the bars cool completely to room temperature before cutting to ensure clean, professional-looking edges.
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