Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 1 tbsp (6g) lemon zest
  • 2 large (100g) eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (6g) lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling.
  2. Cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth.
  3. Stir in 1 cup flour, salt, and 1 tbsp lemon zest until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are barely golden.
  6. While the crust is baking, beat the eggs and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
  7. Sift in 2 tbsp flour and whisk until no lumps remain.
  8. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the batter is velvety and smooth.
  9. Pour the lemon filling directly over the hot crust.
  10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
  11. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out to slice.