Zesty Lemon Bars

Servings: Approximately 12 bars

Awaken your taste buds with these Zesty Lemon Bars that offer a tantalizing combination of a buttery base and a vibrant lemony top, perfect for those who love a tangy twist.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Base:

• 200 grams of unsalted butter
• 200 grams of caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 200 grams of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• A pinch of fine sea salt
• The juice and zest of 1 large, organic lemon

For the Tangy Lemon Glaze:

• 100 grams of icing sugar
• The juice and zest of another organic lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate 180°C (356°F). Line a 20×30 cm baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hug the corners and sides.
2. Gently melt the butter over low heat and allow it to cool just a tad.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and has a ribbon-like consistency.
4. Drizzle the slightly cooled butter into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to marry the ingredients.
5. Sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together. Fold this dry blend into the wet ingredients to create a smooth, unified batter.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, which will perfume the batter with the essence of citrus.
7. Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top to create an even layer.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan, setting it aside with patience.

For the Glaze:

1. While the lemon base is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with lemon juice and zest until it’s smooth and lusciously thick.
2. Once the lemon base is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
3. Wait until the glaze sets firmly, then slice the lemon-infused treat into neat bars.

Serve these Zesty Lemon Bars as a sunny addition to afternoon tea, a picnic, or as a sweet finale to a meal. Their bright flavor and simple elegance are sure to be a hit with all who try a bite.