Description
These Meyer Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or simple weeknight desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, replace with flour if omitting)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- pinch of salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature, whisked
- 1¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting
- lemon slices for garnish or lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- To make the crust, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and vanilla, then stir to form a thick dough.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, about ¾ inch up the sides to create a lip. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the filling by whisking sugar, flour, and lemon zest together. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and extracts, and whisk until smooth.
- Remove the crust from the oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F. Optionally, poke shallow holes in the crust with a fork.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust. Bake for 20-22 minutes until just set and edges are lightly brown.
- Cool on a wire rack at room temperature. Wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices or zest.
Notes
Make sure to use fresh Meyer lemons for the best flavor.
For a non-citrusy flavor, consider adding a bit of almond extract instead of lemon extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg