Lemon Bars

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2 -Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out. Set aside.

Step 3 -Mix the melted butter, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the vanilla extract, and the salt together in a medium bowl.

Step 4 -Add the 2 cups and 2 tablespoons of the flour and stir to completely combine. The dough will be thick.

Step 5 -Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan, making sure the layer of crust is nice and even.

Step 6 -Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 20-22 minutes.

Step 7 -Remove the pan from the oven.

Step 8 -Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm crust but not all the way through the crust. Set the crust aside.

Step 9 -Sift 2 cups of the sugar and the 6 tablespoons of the flour together in a large bowl.

Step 10 -Add the eggs and lemon juice and whisk until completely combined.

Step 11 -Pour the filling mixture over the warm crust.

Step 12 -Bake the bars until the center is relatively set and no longer jiggles, about 22-26 minutes.

Step 13 -Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 14 -Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of the pan using the overhang on the sides. Dust the top with the confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares before serving.