Lemon Bars

1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Show: Barefoot ContessaEpisode: Picnic at the Pond

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (179)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(179)

Cook Time:
55 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
20 squares or 40 triangles

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: 30 min
Cook: 55 min
Total:: 1 hr 35 min

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Lemon Bars
Lily Miami, FL 02-07-2010
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delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These turned out great!! Very lemony and the bars once cut into squares, hold their shape. They do not fall apart. Tastes... even better the next day. Everyone loved them. Very refreshing.Read more
recipe Lemon Bars
Mary Arrington, TN 02-05-2010
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YUMMY!!!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Everytime I have made lemon bars, I have been so disappointed in them. That is NOT the case with these! They are yummy,... excellent, delicious, incredible! Need I say more?Read more
recipe Lemon Bars
Anne Seattle, WA 02-01-2010
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Oh my God!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I gave up trying to find a wonderful lemon bar recipe years ago. The textures of the bars were too gelatinous or too soupy.... Flavors were not lemony enough or too lemony. Somehow I happened upon Ina's recipe and saw how many people gave her 5 stars. This one is a keeper, as good as they get. I liked them best the first day but they were also good the second day [the crust was softer]. She's amazing.Read more
recipe Lemon Bars
shari madison, TN 01-24-2010
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Lovely Lemony Bars
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Made a double recipe last week to take to a football party and they were gone. Clean plates to take home. Thank you... again, Ina! I know the network is playing a few of your older shows, but everyone that is finally getting turned on to how great your food is I think they should replay them. You really intrigued me when you made the sushi rolls and how long ago was that? I will never tell.Read more
recipe Lemon Bars
karen henderson, NV 01-23-2010
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Best In Class!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I am always looking for "best in class" recipes. I have made lots and lots of lemon bars over the years and can now stop... looking for another. Ina's recipe is now my go to/best in class lemon bar! The crust is really like a delicious, buttery shortbread cookie - so yummy - and like no other lemon bar I have tried. The filling is lemony, but not too acidic.The bars are nice, thick and substantial. Well done Ina!!Read more
recipe Lemon Bars
Lisa Florissant , CO 01-22-2010
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Outstanding in everyway!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have made these for my family several times and they are just delicious! I have even substituted Limes for Lemons and they... were excellent. Make these bars if you love tangy sweet goodness.Read more