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Meyer Lemon Bars

Meyer Lemon Bars

With sweet lemon filling on top of a buttery crust, these Meyer lemon bars are bright, uplifting, and full of sweet lemon flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 9 bars
Calories 327 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the filling:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup Meyer lemon juice
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Crust:

  • In a bowl, mix the butter, sugar, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Use your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it comes together into a dough.
  • Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a uniform crust.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and set aside.

Filling:

  • In a bowl, add the eggs, yolks, lemon juice, and sugar, mixing well until well combined.
  • Add the lemon zest and flour, beating well until you get a smooth, light, lump-free consistency.
  • Pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until the filling is set.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  • Sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Using Meyer Lemons: These lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. If using regular lemons, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of juice or add a bit more sugar to balance the acidity.
  • For a Crispier Crust: If you prefer a firmer, crunchier base, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.
  • Avoiding a Lumpy Filling: For a smoother texture, strain the filling mixture before pouring it over the crust.
  • Cooling Time: It’s crucial to allow the bars to cool completely (ideally in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours) before cutting, as this helps the filling set properly.
  • Storage: Store the Meyer Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Optional Decoration: Besides powdered sugar, you can add extra lemon zest or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more elegant presentation.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer to avoid refined sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup in the filling (adjusting the amount to maintain consistency).

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 112mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 481IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
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