Grandma Ila Nelson's Lemon Dream Bars

Jennifer Rosholt's Note:

This recipe came from Whitefish, Montana and was given to me years ago by a dear friend. It had been passed down from her family for generations. I love the fragrance and flavor of lemons. This is by far the easiest and best tasting lemon bar I have come across. I have made it for bake sales, gifts, and simply to serve, and I always have requests for the recipe.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 24 bars

Crust

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup butter , softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Filling

• 4 eggs
• 6 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups finely shredded coconut

Lemon Frosting

• ½ cup butter , softened
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups powdered sugar (or more if needed to create spreading consistency)

Directions:

1. For Crust: In medium sized bowl, stir together flour and powdered sugar.
2. Cut in butter with pastry blender or the tines of two forks. Press into greased 10x15x1 pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
3. For Filling: Beat together eggs, lemon juice, zest and juice of fresh lemon, flour, sugar, baking powder and coconut. Mix well and pour over hot crust. Return pan to oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack.
4. For Frosting: Beat together butter, lemon juice, vanilla and powdered sugar. Spread over filling when cool.
5. Cut into bars & serve. Store covered.

Reviews

[Chef #393257]

The only thing I did different was to sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting because I had some. This bar is decadent!! Thanks so much for the recipe.

[HB2]

Wow! These are amazing! I served them at my daughter's baby shower and I had 30 requests for the recipe. They are so lemony without being overwhelming and the crust and frosting are devine. Thanks for such a time honoured recipe that truly lives up to its reputation! Cathy

[Chef #510901]

Very good and very rich, just what I want in a lemon bar. Loved the frosting. Thanks for the great posting.