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Writer's picturealisonbonifacy

Dot Ellis’ Lemon Bars

Dot Ellis was a wonderful woman who made these incredible lemon bars well into her 80s for every gathering at my childhood church. Whether at church picnics or charity bake sales, her lemon bars were always the most popular and quickest to disappear.


Luckily, Dot gave my mom her recipe for these ‘famous’ lemon bars and she and I have been making them ever since. These addictive lemon bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with adults and kids alike, just maybe not with friends who need to watch their sugar intake! These can be made a few days ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to cut and serve.

Cooking Chez Moi, lemon bars, lemon desserts, lemon bar recipe, desserts for sharing, finger food desserts, picnic desserts

Dot Ellis’ Lemon Bars

Servings: fills a 9 x 13 baking dish (how many depends on how small you cut the bars)

Active time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: about 50 minutes


Crust:

1 cup (180 g) unsalted butter, melted

2 cups (225 g) flour

1 cup (150 g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered)

Filling:

4 large eggs

2 cups (360 g) sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

7 tablespoons fresh lemon juice + a little lemon zest if you want them extra lemony

4 tablespoons flour

A little extra confectioners’ sugar for sprinkling


Preheat oven to 350° F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.


In a large bowl, use a large spatula to mix together the melted butter, flour and confectioners’ sugar until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and a little bit up the sides. Bake for 20 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden in color.


In a large bowl, beat or whisk together the eggs, sugar, baking powder, lemon juice + zest and 4 tablespoons of flour until you get a smooth batter. Pour over the baked crust.


Bake for about 30 minutes until lightly browned on top and the filling does not jiggle when you shake the pan lightly. Let cool slightly and sprinkle a little confectioners’ sugar evenly over the top. Make sure to let the pan cool completely before cutting into small squares. Store the lemon squares in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

And bon appétit!

Cooking Chez Moi, lemon bars, lemon desserts, lemon bar recipe, desserts for sharing, finger food desserts, picnic desserts

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2 Comments


Elaine
Jul 16, 2021

OH, yum I love lemon bars + like the history of this recipe.

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alisonbonifacy
alisonbonifacy
Jul 17, 2021
Replying to

Oh good! Me too and recipes with a story always taste better : )

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