Tangy Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for dusting)
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon)
• Lemon juice (1/2 cup, freshly squeezed)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups)
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt to the butter mixture, mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
6. While the crust is baking, in another bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
7. Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon mixture over it and return the dish to the oven.
8. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set.
9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
11. Cut the lemon bars into squares and serve. For a refreshing twist, you can garnish each bar with a thin slice of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint.