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A close-up of zesty lemon bars with vibrant yellow lemon glaze drizzled over a golden shortbread crust, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint.

Zesty Lemon Bars: A Bright & Fudgy Citrus Delight

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Discover the bright and tangy flavor of Zesty Lemon Bars, a delightful citrus dessert with a fudgy base and vibrant lemon zest. Perfect for spring gatherings, this recipe combines tart lemons with a rich, buttery crust for a refreshing treat that melts in your mouth.

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the 1/4 cup of flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly.
  3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Ensure the lemon zest is freshly grated for maximum flavor.
  • Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
  • Calories: 180 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg