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Bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table with Paula Deen’s Lemon Bars! These bars feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust topped with a sweet and tangy lemon filling. Perfect as a quick dessert, snack, or party treat, this easy recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Serve them chilled for a refreshing bite, or warm from the oven dusted with powdered sugar for a truly indulgent treat.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
• Pinch of salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup / 227 g) butter, room temperature, plus extra for greasing

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (50 g) all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with butter.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. If it sticks to your fingers, dust lightly with flour or confectioners’ sugar.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

3. Make the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth and lump-free.

4. Bake the Bars

Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

5. Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar, slice into squares, and enjoy!

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Recipe Tips

• Chill the butter: Using cold butter ensures a crumbly, crisp crust. Soft butter can make it greasy.
• Pre-bake the crust: Fully baking the crust before adding the filling prevents sogginess.
• Whisk thoroughly: A smooth, lump-free filling ensures creamy, even lemon bars.
• Adjust lemon juice: Fresh lemons vary in tartness—taste and adjust as needed.
• Cool completely before slicing: This gives you clean, neat squares every time.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Cover cooled bars or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 of 24 Bars)

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 12.7 g | Saturated Fat: 7.9 g
• Cholesterol: 71 mg | Sodium: 24 mg
• Carbohydrates: 54.4 g | Fiber: 0.6 g | Sugars: 39.7 g
• Protein: 3.4 g

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These lemon bars are zesty, buttery, and perfectly balanced—the ultimate dessert to brighten any day. Serve for a party, pack for school snacks, or simply enjoy a sunny treat at home!