The best lemon bars with shortbread crust recipe with a perfectly sweet and tart lemon curd filling on top of a rich and buttery shortbread crust.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
1cupunsalted butterroom temperature
2cupsall-purpose flour
¼cupgranulated sugar
¼teaspoonsalt
Lemon Filling
3large eggs
1large egg yolk
1 ½cupsgranulated sugar
½cupall-purpose flour
½cuplemon juice
1teaspoonlemon zest
confectioners sugarfor dusting
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper, letting it overhang the edges.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shortbread crust ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish in an even layer and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
In a large bowl, whisk to combine the eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour over the crust and bake for 20 minutes or until the center is just set.
Remove the bars from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow the baked bars to cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Then, cover with plastic wrap and refrigererate until chilled, about another 1-2 hours. Dust generously with confectioners sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Use a glass or ceramic pan, not metal.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment paper.