Buttery Lemon Bars (adapted from Rose Levy Beranbaum)
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Curd:
4 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 fluid ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (0.5 ounce = 14 grams)
Directions
To make the Shortbread Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered and granulated sugars. Add the butter and cream together with the sugars, using an electric mixer, until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour until just incorporated. It should still be a little crumbly, but will stick together if you pinch it with your fingers.
Line the bottom and two sides of an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on each side. Pat the dough evenly into the prepared pan with your fingers.
Bake in the center rack of a preheated 325°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the top is pale golden.
While the shortbread is baking, prepare the Lemon Curd topping.
To make the Lemon Curd:
Have a small strainer, suspended over a bowl, ready near the stove.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, beat the egg yolks and sugar with a wooden spoon or whisk until well blended. Stir in the lemon juice, butter, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 6 minutes, until thickened. The curd should thickly coat the back of the wooden spoon, but still be thin enough to pour. A candy thermometer will read approximately 196°F. when it is ready. Be careful not to boil the curd mixture or it will curdle.
When the curd has thickened sufficiently, immediately pour it into the strainer. Press it with the back of a spoon until only the coarse residue remains. Discard the residue. Stir in the lemon zest.
When the shortbread is baked, remove it from the oven to cool a bit and lower the oven temperature to 300°F. Pour the strained lemon curd on top of the shortbread crust and bake for 10 minutes.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the lemon curd before cutting into bars. Place the powdered sugar in a strainer or sifter and sprinkle a thick, even coating on top of the curd.
Run a small metal spatula between the sides of the pan and the pastry on the 2 sides without the aluminum foil. Use the foil overhang to lift out the lemon curd/shortbread onto a cutting surface. Use a long, sharp knife to cut the shortbread into small bars. Wipe the blade of the knife after each cut.
The powdered sugar will start to be absorbed into the lemon curd after a few hours, but it can be reapplied right before serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator freezer for 3 months.
Makes 24 bars.
Enjoy!
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