Extra Tangy Lemon Bars With A Shortbread Crust
These Lemon Bars strike the perfect balance between a buttery shortbread crust and a zingy homemade lemon curd filling. With the help of cream of tartar, the filling thickens enough to stay in place. They're sweet, tart, and simply irresistible, perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you're craving something tart.
Servings 16
Calories 206kcal
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter melted
Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ⅔ cup lemon juice about 4-5 lemons
- 4 tablespoons butter cut into cubes
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line an 8 inch square pan with 2 sheets of aluminum foil with plenty hanging over the sides. Press it into the pan so that it is smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar and salt and add melted butter, stirring with a fork until combined. Place in the bottom of the prepared pan and use your hand to pat it down so that it evenly covers the pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes until it is golden brown. (While baking, make the filling.) Remove the crust from the oven once brown and add the filling.
Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, cream of tartar and salt together. Add the eggs and egg yolks, whisking until combined. Whisk in the lemon zest and juice and pour into a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it starts to thicken. It will not be as thick as pudding, but should be turning thick and a thermometer should read at least 160º. Remove from heat and add butter, whisk until it has melted. Pour the hot mixture through a mesh sieve then pour over the baked crust.
- Bake an additional 10 minutes until it no longer jiggles in the center. Let cool completely, at least 2 hours before cutting.
Notes
- You can sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a more festive look or add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make sure to line the pan or it will be difficult to remove to cut pretty squares.
- You will need to use fresh lemon juice for these bars.
