lemon bars

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. For the crust, in a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
6. For the filling, in another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
7. Gradually add the flour to the lemon mixture and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
9. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
10. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish.
11. Once cooled, dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar, if desired.
12. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the lemon bars out of the baking dish. Cut them into squares or rectangles.
13. Serve these refreshing and tangy Lemon Bars as a delightful dessert or sweet treat for any occasion.