Lemon bars are a favorite of mine during the summer. I love the tart freshness, especially when it’s hot outside. This recipe from the cookbook is a pretty decadent version, with lots of eggs and butter, but it’s worth it. Fortunately, I brought these to a barbeque, so I wasn’t tempted to eat them all.
Lemon Bars
Shortbread
2 sticks unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (75 grams) sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (160 grams) flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Curd:
2 cups lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 stick butter
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
8 eggs
4 egg yolks
2 cups (400 grams) sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the shortbread, cream together the butter and sugars in a mixer for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla in until combined. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is combined.
Meanwhile, combine the flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed until evenly mixed. Scrape the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
To make the curd, combine the lemon juice, butter, and cream in a saucepan. Bring to just below a boil. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and yolks and then add in the sugar. Pour a little of the lemon juice mixture into the bowl to temper the eggs and bring them up to temperature. Pour the whole mixture into the pan gradually, whisking together everything. Switch to a wooden spoon and constantly stir the mixture for 8 minutes, until it becomes thick and coats the back of the spoon. Remove from the heat and pour through a sieve to remove any solids. Stir in the salt and vanilla.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9 by 11 pan with parchment paper. Roll out the dough and press into the bottom of the pan to about a 1/2 inch thickness. Bake for 20-30 minutes until it turns a light brown color. Pour in the lemon curd and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the curd sets. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remove from the pan with the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Optionally, you can dust powdered sugar over the top with a sieve. Do this at the last minute though, because it will dissolve into the lemon curd. Enjoy!
I love lemon bars and Flour cookbook, you photographs are beautiful and the bars look so delicious.
Thanks!!
These look incredible – love the photos too! I don’t suppose you’d be interested in entering these for the Care to Cook recipe challenge over at my Bangers & Mash blog? They’d be perfect
Sure, I’ll take a look! Thanks!
fresh and perfect for summer. Will try it.Thanks.
ohh yum! i’m putting together a menu for a picnic this weekend — i think these are just perfect!
I love the recipe and I love how you used the missing bar to show them off.
Best,
Conor
Those DO look deadly! I’m gonna have to make these soon. Great job on these pictures…really great.
I love lemon bars and often bring them to BBQs too! They’re always a hit with a big crowd
MMMMMMMMMMMM,…fantastic & rich lemon bars! tasty & appetizing too!
these look so delicious, as do so many of your creations. your love of great food is so clear and your photography is so inspiring! will have to try these. you have a wonderful blog and such yummy ideas – renu blankinship
Thanks Renu! It’s a fun project to have on the side!
I love lemon bars, totally saving this one to try out this weekend. Thanks for posting!
They’re gorgeous!
Looks like you borrowed my idea for the missing square from my lemon bar photos! Pretty.
Thanks! Actually, I just found your blog today so I hadn’t seen your lemon bars before, but they look delicious!
Mm, these look so good. I must try them!