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Easy lemon bars

These easy, zesty lemon bars are so easy to make and make a showstopping dessert topped with torched meringue.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs
Servings: 9
Calories: 408 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the crust
  • 1 cup butter room temperature
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • pinch of salt
For the filling
  • 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1¼ cup sugar
  • 5 extra-large eggs
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Swiss meringue (optional)
  • 2 egg whites
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F.
  2. Line a square baking dish (9"x 9" / 22cm x 22cm) with baking or parchment paper on all sides.
  3. In the bowl of a food processor combine the butter, sugar, flour, salt and lemon zest. Pulse until the mixture just comes together.
  4. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and flatten with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside while you make the filling. 
  6. Whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour onto the crust and place back in the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you move the pan.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes then carefully remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before slicing. 
  8. Swiss Meringue topping (optional): Combine the egg whites and sugar in a large glass/metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk/stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. To test, rub a little of the mixture between your fingers. If you feel sugar granules, continue stirring, if it's smooth remove it from the heat. 
  9. Using a hand mixer whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks and the mixture is completely cool.
  10. Transfer to a piping bag then decorate the bars. Torch the meringue with a blow torch and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories 408kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 65g (22%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 116mg (39%) Sodium 51mg (2%) Potassium 103mg (3%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 37g (74%) Vitamin A 168IU (3%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 29mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 408

% Daily Value*

Calories 408kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 65g 22%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 116mg 39%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Potassium 103mg 2%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 37g 74%
Vitamin A 168IU 3%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 29mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.