Lemon Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
2. For the Crust:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the lemon filling.
4. For the Lemon Filling:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
   • Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust in the pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once the lemon bars have cooled, you can cut them into squares. You can dust the tops with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, if desired.
9. Serve the lemon bars on a platter and enjoy their deliciously tangy and sweet flavor. They make a delightful treat for any occasion.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

These homemade lemon bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a wonderful dessert for lemon lovers. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a refreshing ending to any meal.