Description
These Meyer Lemon Bars boast an irresistible flavor paired with an extra buttery shortbread crust. They’re simple to prepare and make the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of sweet and tangy notes in every bite.
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 the oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- For the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest. Add melted butter and vanilla, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- 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 on the edges.
- For the filling: In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and lemon zest. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and extracts, whisking until smooth.
- Remove the crust from the oven. Lower the temperature to 325°F. (Optional: 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 the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow to cool at room temperature, then wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Run a knife around the edges, slice, serve, and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with lemon slices or zest, if desired.
Notes
If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with a suitable flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Allowing the bars to chill overnight will enhance the flavor and texture, making them firmer and easier to cut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg