Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Bars Recipe are pure magic. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect. The buttery crust melts in your mouth.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2 large ones)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold butter 2 sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest about 4 lemons
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Leave some overhang on the sides.
- This helps lift bars out easily later.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt together.
- Cut cold butter into small pieces.
- Add butter to the flour mixture slowly.
- Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture into your prepared pan.
- Make sure it's even across the bottom.
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Crack eggs into a large bowl.
- Add sugar and mix them well together.
- Zest your lemons carefully over the bowl.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add it.
- Whisk in the flour until completely smooth.
- The mixture should be bright yellow.
- Pour lemon filling over the hot crust.
- Return pan to the oven immediately.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets.
- The center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Don't overbake or they'll be dry.
- Let the bars cool completely in pan.
- This takes about 2 hours at room temperature.
- You can refrigerate them to speed this up.
- Once cool, lift using the parchment paper.
- Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Bottled juice doesn't taste the same at all.
- Cold butter creates a flakier, better crust.
- Don't skip the parchment paper step ever.
- It prevents sticking and makes cutting easier.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting them.
- Warm bars will fall apart and look messy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator always.
- They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Add extra lemon zest for more intense flavor.
- Clean your knife between cuts for neat squares.