Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, gently folding until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Optional: dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Enhance flavor by adding fresh blueberries or sprinkle with poppy seeds before baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- Baking time may vary; keep an eye to prevent overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg