Shortbread Lemon Bars

The appeal of lemon bars is easy to understand: When well made, the butteryshortbread crust and the intensely tart lemon-curd filling are irresistible. Here we’ve left off the standard dusting of powdered sugar, but if you desire a touch of extra sweetness, feel free to indulge.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 5 medium lemons)
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
2. Place 2 cups of the flour, the powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of thesalt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment and pulse briefly to combine. Scatter butter pieces over flour mixture and pulse until dough just begins to come together, about 20 (1-second) pulses.
3. Crumble dough into the prepared baking dish and, using the base of a measuring cup or a glass dipped in flour, press evenly into the pan. Bake until crust is fully set and just starting to brown on the edges, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool while you make the filling, at least 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
4. To make the filling, combine remaining 3 tablespoons flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, granulated sugar, and eggs in a large bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Addlemon juice and zest and whisk until well combined.
5. Pour filling over baked crust, return to the oven, and bake until set, about 25 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve.

 

NOTE: Since kalamansi is more popular in our country, you can substitute the lemon for kalamansi.

By the way, does anybody notice the resemblance of key lime and kalamansi??? Their names even sound the same. Maybe….. Hmmm…..