Classic Tangy Sweet Lemon (Printable)
Buttery shortbread crust meets vibrant lemon filling in this classic tangy-sweet dessert, perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shortbread Crust
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Lemon Filling
05 - 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1 tbsp lemon zest
→ Topping
10 - Powdered sugar for dusting
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - Cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Blend in 2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing just until dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan bottom. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
04 - While crust bakes, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour in medium bowl. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until completely smooth.
05 - Pour lemon mixture directly over hot crust immediately after removing from oven.
06 - Return to oven and bake 18-20 minutes longer until filling is just set in center—slight jiggle is okay.
07 - Let cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 bars.
08 - Dust generously with powdered sugar immediately before serving.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- The buttery crust balances the tangy filling in a way that makes people pause after their first bite
- These bars travel beautifully to potlucks and actually taste better on day two
- The recipe comes together faster than most cakes but feels impressive enough for company
02 -
- Pour the filling over the hot crust right out of the oven or the layers will separate
- The center should still jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven
- Room temperature eggs prevent the filling from curdling while mixing
03 -
- Meyer lemons make a lovely sweeter variation if you can find them
- Adding extra zest boosts the lemon flavor without changing the consistency