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lemon squares recipe Zesty Sunshine Bars with Powdered Snow
- Total Time: 215 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe for Zesty Sunshine Bars delivers classic lemon squares with a tender shortbread crust and a bright, creamy lemon filling, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- 2.25 cups (270g) powdered sugar (0.25 cup for crust, 2 cups for filling, plus extra for topping)
- 4–5 large fresh lemons (about 0.75 cup or 180ml juice, 2 tbsp or 15g zest)
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 0.25 tsp (1g) salt
Instructions
- Prep The Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups flour, 0.25 cup powdered sugar, and 0.25 tsp salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly golden.
- Make The Zesty Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, zest 2-3 lemons (about 2 tbsp or 15g) and then juice all 4-5 lemons (about 0.75 cup or 180ml juice). In a large bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 2 cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
- Bake The Lemon Squares: Once the crust is lightly golden, carefully pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and edges are lightly browned. The center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool And Finish: Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Once cooled to room temperature, chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before dusting generously with extra powdered sugar (Powdered Snow) and slicing into perfect squares.
Notes
For a quicker crust, use a food processor to pulse cold butter and dry ingredients. Quality pre-bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh is always best for the brightest flavor. Consider swapping lemons for limes for a tangier twist, or add 0.5 cup shredded coconut to the crust mixture for a delightful tropical flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg