Deluxe Lemon Bars

📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic recipe for rich and tangy lemon bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey lemon custard filling. These bars are baked to perfection and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins50 mins1 hour24–36 bars

🔪 Key Equipment

  • 13x9x2 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pastry blender
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

For the Crust

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 CupsFlourSifted, all-purpose
1/2 CupSugarSifted confectioners’
1 CupButterCold, cubed (2 sticks)

For the Filling

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
4EggsLarge, beaten
2 CupsSugarGranulated
1/3 CupLemon JuiceFreshly squeezed
1/2 CupFlourAll-purpose
1/2 TeaspoonBaking PowderNone
As neededSugarAdditional confectioners’ for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar.
  3. Cut in 1 cup cold butter until the mixture clings together to form a dough.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 13x9x2 inch pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, beat 4 large eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup lemon juice.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, then stir into the egg mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Final Bake and Cooling

  1. Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes until set.
  2. Sprinkle with additional confectioners’ sugar while warm and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; the bars will firm up significantly as they cool.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card