Lemon Bars

from Barefoot Contessa

• Tools
• Stand mixer or large bowl and whisk
• Pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups or scale
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients
For the crust:
1/2 pound (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
2 cups (220g) flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups (675g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup (235ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup (110g) flour
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles, squares or whatever shape you desire and dust with confectioners’ sugar (I actually didn’t have any on hand so I sprinkled sea salt and lemon zest on top).