OOEY GOOEY LEMON BARS

I don't even know how to preface this post.

These lemon bars are amazing.

There. That's it. 

The top is extra sweet with a layer of powdered sugar, and cracks slightly when you bite down into it's ooey gooey citrusy center. Just solid enough to eat without a fork, but totally melt in your mouth when you take a bite. 

Enjoy, my friends.

What you'll need:

2/3 cup fresh squeeze lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
zest of said lemons

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)

Powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

Parchment paper

9x13 pan (I prefer glass)

How to make it happen: 

Step 1: Mix together your butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a soft dough. 

Step 2: Spread dough evenly into parchment lined baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes in a 350 degree oven. You'll know it's good to go when it's very lightly browned and bubbling!

Step 3: Mix together your lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until dissolved. Add in your eggs, 1/4 cup flour, pinch of salt, and  1 lemon worth of lemon zest.Whisk together until well mixed and frothy!

Step 4: Pour your lemon mixture over your hot crust, being sure to spread it evenly over the whole pan. Throw it back into the 350 degree oven and bake for another 20.

Step 5: Set bars aside and let COOL. Not, really, let them cool people. Don't try and cut them or they will mush everywhere. This will take a while and they will smell awesome, but just let them hang out until the baking dish is cool.
Step 6: About 15 minutes into the cooling process smooth a thin layer of powdered sugar on the bars, which will serve as a protective layer for the final sprinkling of sugar.
Step 7: When cool, cover the bars with a good layer of powdered sugar and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Step 8: Cut into squares and enjoy with a nice cool glass of milk! Keep them in the fridge - they're best cold!

So there you have it folks- hands down the most delicious (and easy) lemon bar recipe there is.
Pin it to your hearts content.
Print it out and save it for later.
Make it for every dang occasion you can.

Looking for some variations? Use orange juice instead- just cut back on the sugar a bit- or use half lemon juice and half lime!

Okay, who is going home to make these tonight?
Bonus points if you take a picture and share it with me!

xo, lp


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PSSSST: Make these bars and want to show them off?
Tag me on Twitter or Instagram (@lpodlich) or on Facebook (Beauty and the Beard) with the picture so I can see how they turned out!!