“Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars”

You know, I’m really trying to drag Summer out just a little while longer. Citrus makes me think warm sunny days. Hmm…? So, since we’re celebrating October birthdays in my department each month with everybody’s favorite treats, I thought I would make Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars. Someone had reminded me I had not made these bars in a while and hint?…hint? it would be great if I could make them. Just ask and you shall receive. Hey, forgive me ya’ll for not making these bars more often.

Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars

These bars have a buttery, almost shortbread type buttery crust, pressed into 13×9 pan and baked. The crust is removed from oven and the lemon filling made with fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest is poured over the crust and baked again. After removing from the oven my Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars are sprinkled with confectioners sugar. Absolute citrus heaven, my friends… When cooled and ready to serve, cut into squares. They will not last long as you’ll see a trail of powdered sugar left by the lemon bar bandit.

Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars

Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars are a great recipe to make with your kids on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Kiddos will love patting the crust in the pan and squeezing the lemons for juice used in the recipe. Did I mention how much fun it is to sprinkle powdered sugar? Hey I’m a big kid at heart, too. Have fun and enjoy!

Once you’ve made this recipe, give me a shout and post a picture with your kids to my Facebook Recipes page.

Luscious Lemony Lemon Bars

2 sticks butter (1 cup), melted

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus additional for sprinkling

4 eggs

6 T. fresh lemon juice (2 large or 3 small lemons)

3 T. grated lemon zest

2 cups granulated sugar

1 T. unbleached all-purpose flour

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Let cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour and confectioners’ sugar, add melted butter. Mix until soft dough forms and well combined. Press crust mixture evenly and firmly into a 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake crust for 25 minutes.

While crust is baking, mix by hand or with electric hand or stand mixer, combine eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Add in granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat until smooth. Pour lemon mixture over the baked crust. Return pan to oven and bake for 20 minutes more.

Remove pan from oven. Immediately sprinkle top with confectioners’ sugar to your liking. Let bars cool completely in pan on cooling rack. Cut into squares and serve.