Description
These Meyer Lemon Bars with Extra Buttery Shortbread Crust offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
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 with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- For the crust, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla, stirring until a thick dough forms. Press the dough into the prepared pan, about ¾ inch up the sides. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the filling, whisk together sugar, flour, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add the whisked eggs, fresh lemon juice, and extracts, mixing until smooth.
- Once the crust is baked, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Optionally, poke shallow holes in the crust with a fork. Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until the filling is just set and the edges are lightly brown.
- Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Slice, dust with powdered sugar, and serve. Garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.
Notes
Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
For a brighter flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
These bars can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 73mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 58mg