Easy Fresh Lemon Squares

recipe and image from here
My book group met virtually for the second time this week.
Right before I was set to going the Webex meet up, the doorbell rang.
The host had driven to our houses and had her teen son delivered a lemon bar.
Such a fun surprise! And so yummy. I asked for the recipe

Easy Fresh Lemon Squares

Shortbread base

1/2 c. butter* (softened) 

1/4 c. powdered sugar 

1 c. flour 

1 pinch salt

Lemon filling

2 eggs

1 c. granulated sugar

1/2 t. baking powder

3 T. lemon juice

1 pinch salt

zest of 1/2-1 lemon (1/2 - 1 T.)

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350° (175°). Lightly grease and flour an 8x8 inch (20x20cm) square cake pan or line with parchment paper.

SHORTBREAD BASE

In a medium bowl, beat on medium speed the butter and powdered sugar until combined then add the flour and beat again until a soft dough forms (approximately 1 1/2 minutes). Pat evenly onto the bottom the prepared baking pan. Bake 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven, but leave oven on.

LEMON FILLING

Meanwhile in a medium bowl, beat together, the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, fresh lemon juice, pinch of salt and zest. Pour over warm base and return to the oven for 20-25 minutes (until the centre is set, I baked mine for 25 minutes, may need to go a bit longer), Cool in pan, (you can also chill in the fridge for 1 hour for easier cutting), cut into squares and remove from pan, dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Author Notes:

* I always use salted butter, if you use unsalted then increase the salt to 1/4 t.

You may want to refrigerate the Lemon Bars before cutting as it makes cutting the squares easier.

You know when Lemon Bars are done when you gently shake the pan and the filling is set and no longer jiggles. 

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Servings: 16 squares 

Nutrition:  

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.5mg