Zesty Lemon Bars

I love desserts with fruit in it. Maybe because somewhere in my mind I justify that this is healthier than say, a chocolate chip cookie.   

Lemon bars are delicious, but can be a bit tricky because every person has their own preference (extra zesty, extra tart, super sweet, etc.)  This recipe is really user friendly and you can adapt this recipe to your liking.


If you don't like it too lemony - don't use the zest and just use 3/4 cup of the juice.  Amp this up if you do like the strong lemon flavor.


Either way, I have been LOVIN lemon lately (hehe say that five times fast!)  


I also love the crust on this particular recipe because it tastes like shortbread cookies... yumm!


You'll need:

Crust
3/4 cup of powdered sugar
3/4 cup of softened butter (not melted!)
dash of salt
2 cups of flour


Filling
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups of white sugar
1/4 cup flour (optional)
1 tablespoons lemon zest (basically the zest from all the lemons you use)
3/4 cup to 1 cup of fresh lemon juice (I used 5 lemons)
More powdered sugar for dusting 


Step-by-step:
1. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl for the crust and press into a pan.  You can use a 9x13 for thin bars, or a casserole dish or 9x9 for thicker bars. 

2. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes at 315 degrees (we don't want it to be brown or crunchy)
3. While this is baking, start making your filling. 

4. Mix in all your ingredients (be sure to make sure no seeds go into this!)
5. Pour over the baked crust (it will be very runny) and put this in the oven at 350 degrees  - Make sure you've increased the time!

 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes (20 if you use the larger size pan, 25+ for a smaller pan and thicker bars)
7. Wait until the bars are completely cool, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top.  If you sprinkle powder sugar before it's cool the bars will absorb the sugar! 
8. Store covered

9. Enjoy!

-Domesticated Duchess