Lemon bars
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly and well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust:
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
- Add the eggs, sourdough discard, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Pour the filling mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Chill:
- Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the lemon bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy these tangy and sweet sourdough discard lemon bars!
Note: These lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
