Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• Servings: 1
• for the shortbread crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• for the lemon layer:
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Ready Time: 1 hr 40 mins


• place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
• place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
• moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
• bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
• beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
• bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.