The Contessa's Lemon Bars
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Lemon Bars

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 1 hr 35 min
  • Prep: 10 min
  • Inactive: 30 min
  • Cook: 55 min
  • Yield: 20 squares or 40 triangles

Ingredients

For the crust:

For the filling:

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. 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.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
  4. 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.
  5. Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Recipe Review Highlights

Generated by AI using recent reviews for this recipe.

Many people enjoyed the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, and the recipe's buttery shortbread crust with a lemony filling. Some people found the bars to be too tart or too sweet, suggesting adjustments like reducing sugar or increasing lemon zest.

Common substitutions include reducing sugar in the filling, using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled, and adding more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.

This recipe is frequently used for summer picnics, holidays, and special gatherings. It's also a popular choice for potlucks and beach picnics.