Description
These brown butter lemon bars feature a rich, nutty shortbread crust and a perfectly balanced citrus filling with a hint of orange sweetness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Shortbread crust (see link for recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the shortbread crust as per the linked recipe, incorporating browned butter for enhanced flavor. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add the lemon juice, orange juice, and flour to the egg mixture, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
If the dough appears too dry or crumbly, add a little milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together when pressed into the pan. Lemon bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For a softer crust, use a combination of granulated and powdered sugar. Adding orange juice provides a sweeter, less acidic flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 70