Springtime Lemon Bars

I have a confession. I always buy way too many lemons when I do my grocery shopping. I love lemon everything and I add slices to water every day. But every single time I  buy a bag, they sit on the counter and I have to scramble to use them. I usually make three things with them. Lemonade/Arnold Palmers , lemon curd and these lemon bars. They are so easy to put together and you probably have all of the ingredients you need in your pantry already. I have made them so many times I can make them in my sleep. I normally use regular lemons except when meyer  lemons are in season. They make the perfect after dinner treat!

Lemon Bars

crust layer
1 c cold butter, cut into pieces
1/2 c sugar
2 c all purpose flour

lemon layer
1 1/2 c sugar
1/4 c all purpose flour
4 eggs
zest of 2 lemons
3/4 c fresh lemon juice ( about 3 lemons)
powdered sugar

crust layer
1. In a food processor  ( or with a pastry cutter) blend together the butter, sugar and flour. Press evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan  and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
2. The bottom and the sides of the crumb layer should be just beginning to brown .

lemon layer
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs , zest and lemon juice  until mixed well and the sugar is dissolved.
2. After resting for around 10 minutes, whisk the lemon mixture again  and pour it onto the crust.
3.Bake at 350 degrees for  about 20-22 minutes, until the top is set and beginning to brown slightly.
4. Cool completely. When  cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.