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Citrus Bars

Classic lemon bars get a couple of twists: wheat germ adds texture to the shortbread crust, and lime juice and zest flavor the filling.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 30

Ingredients

3Ā 1/2 cups plus 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
1Ā 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
8 large eggs
4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3Ā 1/2 cups flour, wheat germ, confectioners’ sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the largest pieces are the size of peas.

    Step 2

    Press mixture into bottom and up sides of an ungreased 17Ā 1/2-by-12Ā 1/2-inch rimmed baking pan. Bake until golden, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

    Step 3

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and remaining 2/3 cup flour until combined. Whisk in lemon and lime juices, zests, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt until combined. Pour filling onto crust.

    Step 4

    Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until center is set, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, and cut into bars approximately 3 by 2 inches. Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, then kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook by Martha Stewart. Ā© 2005 Clarkson Potter
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