Ingredients
(crust)
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
(filling)
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
Juice + zest of 1 lemon
optional: strawberries to top
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Make the crust by mixing the butter, powdered sugar, and flour to make a crumbly mixture.
Press the dough into a baking dish to form a solid crust with no cracks, and bake for 15 minutes.
Make the filling by mixing the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice +zest with an electric mixer until frothy.
Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, until center has firmed.
Let the lemon bars cool before cutting.
Tips
Don't melt your butter
You want your butter to be soft enough to incorporate into the flour and sugar, but not melted. The more solid (and colder) your butter, the flakier your crust will be. I cut my butter, then microwave for 5 second intervals until it has softened. Then I use a fork and press/scrape the butter into the mix. Then I use my fingers to crumble the butter completely into the mix.
Bake time
35 minutes worked perfectly for me. When you check your bars, give the pan a little shake and watch the center to see if it wobbles. You want your center to be still. Then, when you let them cool, they'll firm up a little more and be easier to cut without making a mess.
Calories
Baked goods are often high in sugar, fat, and carbs. As someone who bakes often, I have to watch how much I eat. I love to eat. I do. I also love to have a healthy body. That being said, I appreciate when a recipe states a calorie count. So I've decided to provide that for you.
Total calories: 2,509
Divide that number by how many portions you cut. I cut 12, so each was 209 calories. As always, eat in moderation!
Photos!
These lemon bars are easy and ONLY 6 ingredients. The crust is buttery and crumbly. I love how creamy and lemony the filling is. They have the perfect balance of sour and sweet. I cut little strawberry hearts to decorate them. A sprinkling of powdered sugar gives a delicious finish to these bars.