Lemon Bars

Happy September friends! From the things I have been reading it is supposed to be a very transformative month. The number 9 symbolizes great evolution and the birth of a new cycle of life (metaphorically). I thought that was pretty inspiring, and these zesty lemon bars will allow you to welcome all that positive change into your lives with a little more sweetness! There are hundreds of different lemon bar recipes out there, and this is my personal no-fail recipe. I know you’re going to love it!

Lemon Bars– Yields 1-9×13″ baking pan

For the Crust:

• unsalted butter, cold & cubed- 1/2 cup (8 oz.)
• toasted coconut flakes- 1/2 cup (optional)
• all purpose flour- 2 cups
• almond extract- 1 tsp.
• salt- 1/2 tsp.

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, cut the butter into the flour until all of the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture starts to form into a dough. (it will be pretty crumbly but should stick together if you press it in your hands)
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Set aside at room temperature.

For the Filling:

• eggs, at room temp- 6 each
• sugar- 3 cups
• lemon zest- 4 each
• lemon juice- 1 cup
• almond extract- 1/2 tsp.
• all purpose flour- 1 cup.

Directions:

1. Zest and juice the lemons and set aside.
2. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk constantly and add in the sugar 1 cup at a time.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients and whisk together to ensure no lumps are left behind.
4. Pour the custard onto your par-baked crust and bake for about 20 minutes.
5. Check the lemon bars, the center should not be giggly at all. If needed, continue to bake for an additional 5-15 minutes until custard has cooked completely.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving. Refrigerate after baking.

Zesty, sweet, and delicate- they go fabulous with a glass of white wine or iced tea! I love this recipe because they are easy, delicious and can be ready in about an hour. A true crowd pleaser and wonderful to travel with! In fact, the ones I baked today are heading to Walla Walla, Washington with my friends to enjoy on their anniversary weekend!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe. Make sure to share it with a friend and let me know what you think of it! Cheers and Happy Labor Day Weekend!