Luscious Lemon Bars

Luscious Lemon Bars

2 1/4 cups flour, divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp baking powder
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper. Allow 2 or 3 inches to extend over the sides. Lightly grease the foil. Stir together 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or a fork until crumbly. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Whisk in the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and the lemon juice. Stir together the baking powder and the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Whisk into the egg mixture. Pour the mixture over the hot baking crust. Bake at 350 F. for 25 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Lift from the pan, using the foil sides as handles. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Remove the foil. Cut into bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Makes about 2 dozen