Sheila’s Almond Lemon Bars
These Almond Lemon Bars are the perfect summer dessert. Made with lemon zest and crushed whole raw almonds. I hope you enjoy these lemon bars as much as I do when I make them.
Almond Lemon Bars
Servings: 20-24 depending on how you cut them
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
● 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
● 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
● 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
● 1/2 cup crushed raw, unsalted almonds
● 2 tsp. pure almond extract
● 2 cups white granulated sugar
● 4 large eggs
● 1 tsp. baking powder
● 1 tbsp. plus 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F..
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Whisk until combined.
- Add in the butter. Using a mixer, beat until it is well combined.
- Stir in crushed almonds and almond extract. Mix well to evenly distribute the almonds.
- Spread the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pat down firmly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. While the dough bakes, prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
- Add in the eggs, baking powder, and lemon zest. Mix well until thoroughly combined into a smooth, lump-free filing.
- Spoon the filling over the hot dough. Spread and smooth evenly.
- Place back into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. The center may slightly jiggle.
- Allow to cool completely. Slice into bars, then cover them with a generous layer of confectioner’s sugar if desired and more lemon zest if desired.
Notes:
*I used Farm Fresh eggs so the color may vary just a bit from store-bought eggs.
*These bars have just a light lemon flavor. Can add more lemon zest or even lemon juice for a more lemony taste.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before placing them into storage. Store the bars at room temperature in airtight containers. Serve with coffee, cold milk, or hot tea.
