You may have tried good recipies for lemon bars - but really truly seriously this is the best recipie. I have tried MANY varieties as it is one of my VERY favorite desserts. All thank to the Barefoot Contessa.
Best EVER Lemon Bars
Crust:
1/2 lb unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
Filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temp
3 cups granulated sugar
2 Tbsp grated lemon zest (4-6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. For the crust, cream the butter and sugar unti light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt, and with the mixer on low, add the butter intil just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press in into a 9x13x2 inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2 inch edge on all sides. Chill.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature. Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.
Just one try and you'll be HOOKED!
