After two semesters, 180 days of school, two weeks of AP exams and five days of finals, summer is finally here for most students. These bright and zesty lemon bars are an excellent way to kick off a fun-filled summer.
With a flavor reminiscent of lemonade, they’re perfect for snacking on at the pool or on the way to camp.
Ingredients:
For the shortbread layer:
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the lemon layer:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Instructions:
For the shortbread layer:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 11 x 15 x 2 pan. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter until it’s light and fluffy.
Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture and combine until just mixed.
Put the dough onto a well-floured board and pat into a ball.
Flatten the dough into the pan until smooth and even.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For the lemon layer:
Rub the lemon zest into the sugar until fragrant.
Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour.
Pour over the cooled shortbread layer.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Let cool to room temperature and dust with confectioners sugar.
Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy smittenkitchen.com.
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Xhemajl • Jul 27, 2012 at 6:09 am
Tracey, thank you So So So much for helping me out. I am So So So sorry that your 50mm lens broke. I am so sraced to take the lens off. Thank you for your kind words. I liked my lemon bar photos (especially since I figured out white balance…I think) but I do think they are still grainy. I think I have the F stop too low – 2.8. I’ll try raising it. Thank you again.
Zorica • Jul 26, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Im currently ininlgdug in a bar (from this amazing recipe) with my tea.I have to say….. I’ve never been more pleased by a lemon bar than these right here. I’ve never made ANY kind of curd dessert, and it turned out to be fantastic! Not a single flaw. Well…. besides the fact that if I divide the recipe into the 10 servings it gave me (7x11pan), I discovered each serving is 347 CALORIES! Haha 😛 Just a delightful little siesta from my diet…Anyway, I can’t thank you enough for posting the recipe for this delicious, and equally beautiful dessert. 5 Stars!