Classic Lemon Bars

Apparently there was a fairly large sporting event last Sunday.  I must have missed it.  Ross and I spent most of the day in the car driving back to Minneapolis from Milwaukee.  And then for some reason I was hit with the incredible need to bake dessert, but nothing too sweet.  The smooth slightly tart flavor of these lemon bars hit the spot perfectly.

I love the light buttery crust...practically melt in your mouth.  Layered with a custard of the perfect balance of tart and sweet.  These bars really should be my go to dessert on a bad day.  I always have the ingredients on hand and they take so little to whip up.

You don't really mess with a classic.

Recipe of courtesy of Taste of Home

yields 9 bars

The Ingredients:
for the crust:
1 cup flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup salted butter, softened

for the filling
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

additional powdered sugar for dusting

The Process:
In a medium bowl, cut the butter into the flour and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles course crumbs.  Press into an un-greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and sugar together until smooth.  Add the flour, baking powder, juice and zest.  Stir until just combined.  Pour the filling over the baked crust.  Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and beginning to brown.

Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.  Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar just prior to serving.