Lemon bars are the perfect dessert to bring to just about any gathering. Whether it's a bridal or baby shower, bake sale, picnic, or brunch, these bars will have all your guests clamoring about the delicious buttery shortbread crust and extra-thick lemon curd filling. Best of all, this recipe only requires seven ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Lemon Filling Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup lemon juice
• Optional: confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Use parchment paper to line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
2. Make the crust. Mix the melted butter, sugar, pure vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the flour and combine. The dough should be thick.
3. Press firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the warm crust, making sure to not go all the way through.
4. Make the filling. Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs and lemon juice until completely combined.
5. Pour the filling over the warm crust. Bake the bars for 22 to 26 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggles. Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
6. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar and cut into squares before serving. Cover and store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Source: Sallysbakingaddiction.com