Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Optional meringue: 3 egg whites and ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Press mixture into baking dish to form crust. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Pour lemon mixture over hot crust. Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let bars cool completely. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting.
- Optional: Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled bars and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden. Cool again before serving.
Notes
- Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the filling for more citrus flavor.
- Use Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter twist.
- Skip meringue and dust with powdered sugar instead.
- Try a graham cracker crust for a nutty variation.
- Store bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
