It is officially summer and what does that mean… lots of cooking out! I love having friends and family over for cookouts it is the best thing about summer. Also summer time means that it is time for lots of fresh fruits and vegetables!! These lemon bars are the perfect summer dessert. Now I know that sometimes lemon bars are too tart for some people’s liking. This is why I like to use meyer lemons. Meyer lemons are said to be a cross between either a tangerine or an orange. That little taste of orange in these bars mellows out the tartness a considerable amount! Trust me they are delicious! Meyer lemons are becoming one of my favorite things to cook with. One more thing I love about these lemon bars is the crust! It is so yummy.
I have made these lemon bars with regular lemons and meyer lemons. Either way they will turn out delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
6 eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons meyer lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Turn the speed to low add the flour and salt until mixed. Dump the dough into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Press out the dough to form a solid layer on the bottom and press 1/2 inch up the sides of the dish. Chill for about 5 minutes.
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes until 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. The filling may go above the crust that is ok! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
Cut into desired serving size and shape. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
To me these lemon bars taste like summer! This is a light and tasty dessert that would make the perfect addition to any summer meal! Take these to a cookout and they will be sure to impress. Just don’t expect any leftovers!
I hope you like these as much as we do.
~Cheers
Great Food and Great Wine all at home! 