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Prep time
50 minutes
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Cook time
50 minutes
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Makes
18 (2-inch) squares
Author Notes
In this recipe, I hope, is achieved everything I always was looking for in citrus bars; first of all a tender, melt-in-your-mouth, crust, lemony taste not only in the filling, but also in the crust, and finely smooth texture, and tall beautiful bars. After testing a few recipes during a long time, I discovered that using confectioner's sugar and corn starch in the crust, and adding just 1 cup ricotta to the filling, gave the bars just the right height, unusual flavor and texture.
Can be made with Meyer lemons or other citrus. —Kukla
Test Kitchen Notes
These aren't your average lemon bars. The use of ricotta gives them a light and airy texture that we're crazy about. The dough feels dry, and we were slightly skeptical, but it cooks up nicely and proves the greatness of butter (yet again). We happily ate them with and without the final sprinkling of confectioner's sugar. —The Editors
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Ingredients
- For the crust
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1 3/4 cups
unbleached all-purpose flour
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2/3 cup
confectioners' sugar
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1/4 cup
cornstarch
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1 tablespoon
lemon zest
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3/4 teaspoon
salt
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12 tablespoons
unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into 1-inch pieces, slightly softened plus extra for greasing pan
- For the lemon-ricotta filling
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8 ounces
(1 cup) fresh whole milk ricotta, drained
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4
large eggs, beaten
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1 1/3 cups
granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons
unbleached all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons
lemon zest
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2/3 cup
lemon juice from 3 to 4 large lemons, strained
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1/4 teaspoon
salt
Directions
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To make the crust: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350° F.
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Using a pastry brush, lightly butter a 13x9-inch baking dish and line with one sheet parchment paper. Butter paper, then lay second sheet crosswise over it.
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Pulse flour, confectioner's sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest and salt in food processor.
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Add butter and process to blend; then pulse until mixture is pale yellow and resembles coarse meal.
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Sprinkle mixture into lined pan and, press firmly with fingers into even layer over entire pan bottom and about 1/2-inch up sides.
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Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and then bake until light golden brown, about 20 minutes.
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To make the filling: Whisk ricotta, eggs, sugar, and flour in medium bowl, then stir in lemon zest, juice, and salt to blend well.
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Reduce oven temperature to 325° F.
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Stir filling mixture before pouring into warm crust.
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Bake until filling feels firm when touched lightly, about 30 minutes.
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Transfer pan to wire rack; cool to room temperature, at least 2 hours.
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Transfer to cutting board, fold paper down, and cut into bars, wiping knife or pizza cutter clean between cuts.
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Dust with confectioner's sugar.
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