Step 1 of 11
Lemon Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Step 2 of 11
Lemon Bars
Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.
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Step 3 of 11
Lemon Bars
To make the crust, place the softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl and use a hand mixer to combine. Add the flour and continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Step 4 of 11
Lemon Bars
Transfer the dough to the baking pan. Using a tamper, clean hands, or the bottom of a heavy glass, press the dough into an even layer.
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Step 5 of 11
Lemon Bars
Bake the crust on middle rack of oven until slightly golden at the edges, 15-18 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.
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Step 6 of 11
Lemon Bars
Place the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl. Mix with a hand mixer until the mixture is just smooth and combined. Sift the flour into the bowl. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
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Step 7 of 11
Lemon Bars
Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven. Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Tap pan on the counter to reduce air bubbles in the filling.
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Step 8 of 11
Lemon Bars
Return pan to oven and continue baking until the filling sets and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.
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Step 9 of 11
Lemon Bars
Check to see that bars are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 10 of 11
Lemon Bars
Allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
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Step 11 of 11
Lemon Bars
Just before serving, sift a generous layer of powdered sugar over the bars. Slice and serve.