Description
These Meyer Lemon Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Simple ingredients combine to make an unforgettable treat, whether for a casual snack or a fancy dessert.
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 your oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and optional lemon zest. Add melted butter and vanilla, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, extending it about ¾ inch up the sides. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by whisking together sugar, flour, and lemon zest. Then add whisked eggs, lemon juice, and extracts, mixing until smooth.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and lower the temperature to 325°F. Optionally, poke shallow holes in the crust with a fork.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust. Bake for an additional 20-22 minutes until just set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack at room temperature, then wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Slice into squares and serve dusted with powdered sugar, garnished with lemon slices or zest.
Notes
If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the crust ingredients proportionally.
These bars taste best after being chilled, allowing flavors to meld.
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg