Lemon Chess Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3-5 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Lemon Chess Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack at the lowest level. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and chilled butter. Pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized chunks.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together.
   • Transfer the dough to the lined baking dish and press it evenly to the edges.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the egg yolks, whole eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
   • Slowly pour in the melted butter, continuing to whisk until the filling is creamy and smooth.
4. Bake the Bars:
   • Pour the filling over the crust in the baking dish.
   • Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a crust has formed.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
   • Optional: Lightly dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Chess Bars!