Description
Enjoy the delightful taste of Meyer Lemon Bars featuring an extra buttery shortbread crust. This easy recipe combines fresh lemon juice and zest with a melt-in-your-mouth crust, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. With simple prep and irresistible flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves homemade treats!
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 and grease or line an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
- Prepare the crust by whisking sugar, flour, salt, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla, stirring to form a thick dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, going about ¾ inch up the sides for a lip. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by whisking sugar, flour, and lemon zest. Incorporate eggs, lemon juice, and extracts, whisking until smooth.
- Remove the crust from the oven, lower the temperature to 325°F. Optionally, poke shallow holes in the crust with a fork.
- Pour the filling onto the warm crust. Bake for 20-22 minutes until just set and edges are lightly browned.
- Cool at room temperature on a wire rack, then wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight to set.
- Run a knife around the edges, slice, and serve. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.
Notes
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for the best texture in the filling.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg