Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
• 0.25 cups confectioners' sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Set an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Make crust: Use the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to mash flour and butter in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Mix in confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt until mixture resembles slightly crumbly cookie dough. Moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a fork to prick holes all over crust.

3. 3

   Bake on the middle rack in the preheated oven until edges are barely golden brown, about 22 minutes. Set aside.

4. 4

   Make custard: Beat together eggs and egg yolks in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in white sugar and flour until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest; whisk for 2 minutes. Pour over warm crust.

5. 5

   Bake on the center rack until custard is set and the top has a thin white sugary crust, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

6. 6

   Dip a knife into very hot water, then run the blade around the edges and cut into 16 squares. Dust bars with confectioners' sugar.