Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (8 ounces or 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 6 large eggs at room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (8 lemons)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 9�13 pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer. Combine the flour and salt and with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Add vanilla. Gather the dough into a ball and press gently and evenly into the 9�13 pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
4. Bake the crust for 18 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on, set to 350 degrees.
5. For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
6. Cut into triangles or squares and dust with powdered sugar.